Postsynaptic dendrite of the next neuron

Dendritum postsynapticum

NervousNervesWhole body

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What it is
A segment of a dendrite belonging to the next neuron in the chain, with small spines; a receptor-rich postsynaptic density lies under each bouton.
Function
Receives the neurotransmitter and turns it back into an electrical signal - an excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potential.
Size
About 1-2 micrometres thick in reality
Clinical note
A single cortical neuron receives around 10 000 synapses; strengthening or weakening individual synapses (synaptic plasticity) is the cellular basis of memory.

Part of Neuron cell body (soma) - magnified

Nearby nervous structures Accessory nerve (CN XI), Axon, Brachial plexus, Cervical plexus, Dendrites, Left phrenic nerve, Myelin sheath, Neuron nucleus, Nodes of Ranvier, Synapse (axon terminals and boutons)