Figure 1. The tripartite synapse.

Figure 1The tripartite synapse

(A) A single astrocyte sends out processes that enwrap a number of synapses. One synapse results from the association between the pre- and postsynaptic terminals. (B) At the synapse, neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic terminal activate an astrocyte which responds with Ca2+ elevations. In turn, Ca2+ elevations lead to the release of neuroactive substances called gliotransmitters which act back to the synapse to regulate the presynaptic function and modulate the postsynaptic response.

From: Astrocytes and Epilepsy

Cover of Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies
Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies [Internet]. 4th edition.
Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, et al., editors.
Copyright © 2012, Michael A Rogawski, Antonio V Delgado-Escueta, Jeffrey L Noebels, Massimo Avoli and Richard W Olsen.

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