How Are Neurotransmitters Removed from the Synaptic Cleft?
After neurotransmitters have exerted their effects, they must be removed from the synaptic cleft to terminate the signal and prepare the synapse for the next action potential. This removal can occur through several mechanisms: enzymatic degradation, reuptake by the presynaptic neuron, or diffusion away from the synapse. For example, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.
