Synaptic transmission begins when an action potential reaches the synaptic terminal. This electrical signal triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels, allowing calcium ions to enter the terminal. The influx of calcium ions facilitates the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, initiating a response in the target cell.
