Postsináptic

Postsináptic refers to the region of a neuron that lies on the receiving side of a synapse. A synapse is a specialized junction where a nerve cell communicates with another cell. The presynaptic neuron transmits a signal across this gap, and the postsynaptic neuron is the one that receives this signal. Specifically, the postsynaptic neuron contains receptors on its cell membrane that bind to neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic terminal. This binding initiates a change in the electrical or chemical state of the postsynaptic neuron, which can either excite or inhibit it. The complex network of synaptic connections between neurons, involving both presynaptic and postsynaptic components, forms the basis of neural circuits that underlie all brain functions. The morphology and function of postsynaptic structures, such as dendritic spines, are crucial for synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, which is fundamental for learning and memory.