Anatomy

Synaptic Vesicles

Membrane-bound compartments which contain transmitter molecules. Synaptic vesicles are concentrated at presynaptic terminals. They actively sequester transmitter molecules from the cytoplasm. In at least some synapses, transmitter release occurs by fusion of these vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, followed by exocytosis of their contents.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Membrane-bound compartments which contain transmitter molecules. Synaptic vesicles are concentrated at presynaptic terminals. They actively sequester transmitter molecules from the cytoplasm. In at least some synapses, transmitter release occurs by fusion of these vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, followed by exocytosis of their contents.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Synaptic Vesicle
  • Vesicle, Synaptic
  • Vesicles, Synaptic

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

15 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, drug effects, enzymology, genetics, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

History Note

72(70)

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Cytoplasmic Granules (1966-1969)
  • Synapses (1966-1969)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. A08w.850w.840w
  2. A11w.284w.430w.214w.190.875w.190.880.810.750w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Synaptic Vesicles. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D013572. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D013572
  2. Synaptic Vesicles. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaptic_vesicle
  3. Synaptic Vesicles. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q671136