What does postsynaptic mean?
Postsynaptic is a technical adjective describing what occurs on the receiving side of a synapse, or after a signal has crossed from one neuron or cell to another. When a presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, the next cell receives them at its postsynaptic membrane. Postsynaptic responses can include changes in membrane voltage, calcium signaling, enzyme activity, or the opening of ion channels, depending on the receptors involved. The term is central to descriptions of neural transmission, synaptic plasticity, receptor function, and the effects of drugs on the nervous system. It is also used more broadly for structures located after a synapse in a signaling pathway. Although closely related terms such as presynaptic and synaptic can sometimes appear in adjacent explanations, postsynaptic specifically identifies the receiving side or the events following synaptic transmission. It is a precise word for distinguishing where and when a response occurs in a cell-to-cell communication process.
adjectiveOccurring after a synapse, or located on the receiving side of a synapse following synaptic transmission. In neuroscience, it most often describes structures, events, or activity after a signal has crossed the synaptic cleft.
- Occurring after a synapse or on the receiving side of a synapse, especially in neuroscience.
"The neurotransmitter bound to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane and triggered a response in the receiving neuron."
"The researcher measured the strength of postsynaptic responses after stimulating the nerve fibers."
"Changes in postsynaptic receptor density can affect how strongly a neuron responds to a neurotransmitter."
"The drug acts by enhancing signaling at the postsynaptic membrane."
A postsynaptic membrane is the receiving end of a neural conversation: one cell sends the signal, and the next cell listens through structures on its postsynaptic side.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of postsynaptic
Postsynaptic was formed in English by combining the prefix post-, meaning “after,” with synaptic. The adjective synaptic comes from synapse, which derives from Greek synapsis, a term associated with a connection or joining together, ultimately based on the Greek elements meaning “together” and “to touch.” The word’s scientific meaning developed alongside the study of nervous-system communication and the distinction between the sending and receiving sides of a synapse.
Related word forms
How postsynaptic is actually used
Primarily formal and technical, especially in neuroscience, biology, and pharmacology. It is usually written as one word, though the hyphenated form post-synaptic is also encountered in scientific writing.
Easily confused with postsynaptic
Presynaptic refers to the sending side of a synapse, before neurotransmitter release, whereas postsynaptic refers to the receiving side and the events that follow transmission.