<P> Neurotransmitters are released into a synapse in packaged vesicles called quanta . One quantum generates what is known as a miniature end plate potential ( MEPP ) which is the smallest amount of stimulation that one neuron can send to another neuron . Quantal release is the mechanism by which most traditional endogenous neurotransmitters are transmitted throughout the body . The aggregate sum of many MEPPs is known as an end plate potential ( EPP ) . A normal end plate potential usually causes the postsynaptic neuron to reach its threshold of excitation and elicit an action potential . Electrical synapses do not use quantal neurotransmitter release and instead use gap junctions between neurons to send current flows between neurons . The goal of any synapse is to produce either an excitatory postsynaptic potential ( EPSP ) or an inhibitory postsynaptic potential ( IPSP ) , which generate or repress the expression , respectively , of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron . It is estimated that an action potential will trigger the release of approximately 20 % of an axon terminal 's neurotransmitter load . </P>
<P> Neurotransmitters are released into a synapse in packaged vesicles called quanta . One quantum generates what is known as a miniature end plate potential ( MEPP ) which is the smallest amount of stimulation that one neuron can send to another neuron . Quantal release is the mechanism by which most traditional endogenous neurotransmitters are transmitted throughout the body . The aggregate sum of many MEPPs is known as an end plate potential ( EPP ) . A normal end plate potential usually causes the postsynaptic neuron to reach its threshold of excitation and elicit an action potential . Electrical synapses do not use quantal neurotransmitter release and instead use gap junctions between neurons to send current flows between neurons . The goal of any synapse is to produce either an excitatory postsynaptic potential ( EPSP ) or an inhibitory postsynaptic potential ( IPSP ) , which generate or repress the expression , respectively , of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron . It is estimated that an action potential will trigger the release of approximately 20 % of an axon terminal 's neurotransmitter load . </P>
neurotransmitter filled packets in the presynaptic neuron are called
neurotransmitter filled packets in the presynaptic neuron are called
quanta
quanta