postsynaptic

[pohst-si-nap-tik]

adjective

Physiology.

1. being or occurring on the receiving end of a discharge across the synapse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of postsynaptic¹

1905–10; post- + synaptic ( def. )

Example Sentences

With this, they focused their studies on the analysis of a protein agglomeration found on the signal-receiving side of synapses, the so-called "postsynaptic density," as it has become clear in previous studies that its constituents are key to the development of small mushroom-shaped protrusions on the signal-receiving cells where synapses are formed.

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"These data suggest that the postsynaptic density in autism spectrum disorder patients is relatively similar to that in the prenatal or neonatal period compared to healthy subjects," the researchers write in the study.

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These intriguing findings raise the possibility that approaches targeting specific types of glutamate receptor, postsynaptic signalling processes or the mechanisms needed for synapse formation might provide therapeutic targets for slowing tumour proliferation.

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Receptor activation causes ion movement across the cell membrane, which produces depolarization — an increase in positive charge inside the postsynaptic neuron that leads to excitation.

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They observed that the microtubes had structures characteristic of excitatory synapses, called postsynaptic densities, where glutamate receptors are normally present.

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