Intro | Presynaptic Neuron | Postsynaptic Neuron | Terminal Button | Axon | Neural Impulse | Synaptic Vesicles | Neurotransmitter Molecules | Cell Membrane | Transmitter does not fit at receptor | Transmitter fits receptor | Receptor Sites | Synaptic Cleft
Part 1: Image-Mapped Tutorial
Part 2: Matching Self-Test
Part 3: Multiple-Choice Self-Test
3. The Terminal Button is the end-point of an axon that forms the presynaptic neuron.
| Advanced |
The terminal button typically contains a number of subcellular structures (organelles) that support the synaptic process of interneuronal communication. Mitochondria are available for energy production, and microtubules, which transport molecules between the soma and the terminal button, are present. In addition, extensions of the Golgi apparatus (cisterna) make use of pieces of the presynaptic membrane to form the synaptic vesicles for neurotransmitter storage. This takes place via a process called pinocytosis: pinching off a segment of the cell membrane.