Synapses and Neurotransmitters

Axon	The long projection of the nerve cell which carries the impulse to another part of the body
Synapse	Where the axon ends and the impulse must be passed to another cell
Axon terminus	The tip of the axon. Usually divided into several branches
Synaptic boutons	Swellings at the tip of each axon terminus.
Synaptic gap or synaptic cleft	The space between the axon terminus and the next cell
Presynaptic cell	The nerve cell before the synapse
Postsynaptic cell	The cell after the synapse
Neurotransmitters	Chemical that are released by the synaptic boutons and diffuse across to the postsynaptic cell
Neurotransmitter receptors	These proteins on the membrane of the postsynaptic cell are the only places where neurotransmitters can attach.
Excitatory postsynaptic potential (ESPS)	When a neurotransmitter goes across the synapse and causes the next cell to depolarize or become more positive. If the next cell gets enough ESPSs, it will fire.
Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (ISPS)	When a neurotransmitter goes across the synapse and causes the next cell to hyperpolarize or become more negative. This will make the cell harder to fire.
Acetylcholine (Ach)	The neurotransmitter your nerves use to stimulate your skeletal muscles
Cholinergic receptors	The proteins on your muscle cells that Ach can attach to, to make the muscle cells react
Muscarinic receptors	A kind of Ach receptor that can also be stimulated by the drug muscarine. These receptors cause an inhibitory postsynaptic potential in the heart, making it slow down.
Nicotinic receptors	A kind of Ach receptor that can also be stimulated by the drug nicotine. These receptors cause excitatory postsynaptic potentials in your muscles, allowing you to move.
Acetylcholinesterase (AchE)	An enzyme on the surface of the postsynaptic cell. Its job is to destroy acetylcholine so the stimulus caused by the acetylcholine can stop.