Synaptic inputs work through a sequence of events:
An action potential arrives at the presynaptic terminal. Voltage-gated calcium channels open, allowing Ca2+ ions to enter the presynaptic terminal. The influx of Ca2+ causes synaptic vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, leading to the opening or closing of ion channels. This results in either depolarization (excitatory) or hyperpolarization (inhibitory) of the postsynaptic neuron.
