Issues in Synaptic Terminal Organization

Abstract

Throughout this Section, emphasis will be placed on the presynaptic component of the synapse. This is the presynaptic terminal. It may be argued that emphasis upon just one component of the synaptic complex has limitations, and this is true, particularly from a functional perspective. Nevertheless, it is also important to analyze individual synaptic components in as complete a manner as possible, as a prelude to the much larger task of accommodating each of the components within a holistic framework. The presynaptic terminal lends itself to such an approach, and so can be usefully studied as a model of synaptic organization. This, in turn, is providing clues about the nature of synaptic plasticity. The presynaptic terminal, therefore, is proving an eminently useful situation in which to elaborate and test hypotheses concerning synaptic and neurotransmitter concepts.