Synapses: Structure and Dynamics

This lecture delves into the intricate world of synapses, exploring topics such as synaptic data analysis, mapping synaptic connections, and multisynaptic dynamics. It covers the physiology and anatomy of synaptic connections, the impact of synaptic location on input, and the dynamics of amplitude fluctuations. The instructor discusses the role of neurotransmitters, receptors, and synaptic vesicles in synaptic communication, as well as the stochastic nature of quantal release. The lecture concludes with insights on the challenges of characterizing various types of connections and a summary emphasizing the variability in synaptic responses due to factors like release probability and quantal size.