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. 2025 Sep 25;19:1649748. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2025.1649748

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Illustration of neurotransmission between neurons. The process begins with a nerve impulse reaching the presynaptic neuron, causing calcium ions to enter through voltage-gated channels. This triggers synaptic vesicles to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, opening ligand-gated channels, allowing sodium ions to enter, and generating a postsynaptic potential. The nerve impulse is then transmitted to the next neuron. Labeled elements include calcium ions, neurotransmitters, sodium ions, synaptic and postsynaptic components, depicting the sequence of neurotransmission. — Brain neurotransmitters outline image© VectorMine/iStockphoto, used under license.