vesicle recycling

Vesicle recycling is the process by which nerve cells reuse tiny sacs called vesicles, which carry neurotransmitters—the chemicals that communicate signals between nerve cells. When a nerve signal reaches the synapse (the gap between cells), vesicles release their neurotransmitters to pass the message along. After releasing their contents, the empty vesicles are retrieved through a process called endocytosis, where they are pinched off from the cell membrane. These vesicles are then recycled and refilled with neurotransmitters, ready to participate in future signaling. This cycle ensures efficient and rapid communication within the nervous system.