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Neurons
generally exchange messages when the sending neuron releases
a chemical (neurotransmitter) which activates receptors in
the receiving neuron. In most cases, neurons
do not actually touch each other; instead, there is a tiny
gap, called a synapse. Neurotransmitter
molecules may cross the synapse to activate a receptor on
the receiving neuron, or may remain in the synapse unused
until it is broken down or reabsorbed into the sending neuron
to be recycled for later use.
by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain |
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