Axon Terminal:
« Back to Glossary IndexAxon terminal, also known as synaptic ending or presynaptic terminal, are the swollen end of the nerve’s axon, located close enough to other neurons to transmit messages. Each axon terminal has an output receptor at the end of it (transmitting or presynaptic “before the synapse” terminal). Capped with small button-shaped structures (terminal boutons), they convert (transduce) electrical signals into chemical signals (neurotransmitters) which are released into the synapse (space between axon terminal/“sending” neuron and input receptor/“receiving” neuron). Axon terminals contain synaptic vesicles that store neurotransmitters—released when a triggered action potential arrives. Neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the target receiving or postsynaptic “after the synapse” cell, modifying its electrical properties. Also see Nerve Endings

