The Calyx of Held Synapse

摘要: Specialized synapses are employed in the central auditory system to preserve timing information, often transmitting at high firing frequencies that typically accompany sound transduction periphery. A unique example of such a specialized synapse is calyx Held synapse. It giant axosomatic within superior olivary complex (SOC) functions as fast sign-inverting relay, providing inhibition most nuclei brainstem. Because its size – it could well be largest terminal mammalian brain has become popular model study mechanisms transmitter release. Figure 5.1 illustrates important property allows act relay: harbors hundreds synaptic active zones.