Ribbon synapse
TYPE OF SYNAPSE CHARACTERIZED BY AN ELECTRON-DENSE RIBBON, LAMELLA (BAR) OR SPHERICAL BODY IN THE PRESYNAPTIC PROCESS CYTOPLASM.
Ribbon synapses; Presynaptic dense body; Synaptic ribbon
The ribbon synapse is a type of neuronal synapse characterized by the presence of an electron-dense structure, the synaptic ribbon, that holds vesicles close to the active zone. It is characterized by a tight vesicle-calcium channel coupling that promotes rapid neurotransmitter release and sustained signal transmission.