Synaptic communication is triggered by action potentials, but neurons also talk to each other in between action potentials. Specific intracellular-calcium sensors regulate these conversations. Neurons communicate with each other through synaptic junctions. In the presynaptic neuron, voltage-gated calcium channels are activated in response to an action potential, allowing the entry of extracellular calcium. This triggers the fusion of neurotransmitter-laden synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane and the release of neurotransmitter molecules.
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