Neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitters are chemicals released by a neuron to send a signal on to the next cell in line. Neurotransmitters are collected into vesicles following the firing of an action potential and are transported out into the synaptic cleft. Once in the synaptic cleft, the neurotransmitter diffuses across the gap and binds to receptor proteins on the receiving cell. Acetylcholine is an example of a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is involved in stimulating muscles to contract.

synaptic-cleft

(“Nervous system”) 

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