synaptosome
/sɪˈnæptəˌsoʊm/
noun
- A tiny sac-like structure that forms when a nerve cell is broken apart, containing the parts of the synapse (the gap between nerve cells) and used in scientific research to study how brain cells communicate.
- Researchers used synaptosomes to test how a new drug affects communication between neurons.
- The scientist isolated a synaptosome from the brain tissue to study neurotransmitter release.
- Under the microscope, each synaptosome appeared as a small, sealed bubble filled with signaling molecules.