Medical Definition of Ribbon synapse

1. Ultrastructurally distinct type of synapse found in a variety of sensory receptor cells such as retinal photoreceptor cells, cochlear hair cells and vestibular organ receptors, as well as in a nonsensory neuron, the retinal bipolar cell. Unlike most neurons, these cells do not use regenerative action potentials but release transmitter in response to small graded potential changes. Ribbon synapses have different exocytotic machinery from conventional synapses in containing dense bars or ribbons anchored to the presynaptic membrane covered with a layer of synaptic vesices. The ribbons have been proposed to shuttle synaptic vesicles to exocytotic sites. (23 Aug 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Ribbon Synapse

ribbitted
ribbitting
ribbok
ribboks
ribbon
ribbon-leaved water plantain
ribbon development
ribbon fern
ribbon representation
ribbon seal
ribbon seals
ribbon snake
ribbon synapse (current term)
ribbon tree
ribbon worm
ribboned
ribbonfish
ribbonfishes
ribboning
ribbonless
ribbonlike
ribbonry
ribbons
ribbonwoods
ribbony
ribby

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