Vesicle release, receptor binding, EPSP/IPSP, reuptake, Ca²⁺ influx
Action potential arrives at presynaptic terminal → voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels open → Ca²⁺ influx triggers SNARE-complex-mediated vesicle fusion → neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft. NT binds postsynaptic receptors → ion channel opening → EPSP or IPSP. Reuptake transporters (SERT, DAT, GAT) clear the cleft.