Post-Synaptic Neuron

The post-synaptic neuron is the nerve cell on the receiving end of an electrical impulse from a neighboring cell. The pre-synaptic, “sender” neuron releases neurotransmitters that attach themselves to receptors on the dendrites (or arms) of the post-synaptic, “receiver” neuron. The post-synaptic neuron does not accept all neurotransmitters, only those that fit in or match its receptors. The signals received by the post-synaptic neuron tell it whether or not to fire its own electrical impulse and send communication to another cell.

See also: Pre-Synaptic Neuron