Synaptic transmission is the fundamental process through which neurons communicate with one another, enabling the complex signaling that underlies thought, movement, sensation, and emotion. This communication occurs at specialized junctions called synapses, where one neuron releases chemical messengers—known as neurotransmitters—that bind to receptors on a neighboring cell, triggering a response. In some cases, electrical signals may pass directly through gap junctions, allowing for rapid, synchronized activity.

This highly regulated process involves multiple steps, including neurotransmitter synthesis, vesicle release, receptor activation, and signal termination. Synaptic strength and efficiency can be modified through experience, a phenomenon known as synaptic plasticity, which plays a critical role in learning, memory, and adaptive behavior. Disruptions in synaptic transmission are linked to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases.