The process whereby a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an osteoblast, a mesodermal or neural crest cell that gives rise to bone.

A transition where an epithelial cell loses apical/basolateral polarity, severs intercellular adhesive junctions, degrades basement membrane components and becomes a migratory mesenchymal cell.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of the BMP signaling pathway.

The series of events that restore integrity to a damaged tissue, following an injury.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of astrocyte differentiation.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cardiac muscle cell proliferation.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of branching involved in ureteric bud morphogenesis, the process in which the branching structure of the ureteric bud is generated and organized. The ureteric bud is an epithelial tube that grows out from the metanephric duct. The bud elongates and branches to give rise to the ureter and kidney collecting tubules.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of glomerulus development, the progression of the glomerulus over time from its initial formation until its mature state. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft surrounded by Bowman's capsule in nephrons of the vertebrate kidney.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of the BMP signaling pathway.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of transcription mediated by RNA polymerase II.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the skeleton over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The skeleton is the bony framework of the body in vertebrates (endoskeleton) or the hard outer envelope of insects (exoskeleton or dermoskeleton).

The process in which the membranous septum is generated and organized. The membranous septum is the upper part of ventricular septum.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the outflow tract are generated and organized. The outflow tract is the portion of the heart through which blood flows into the arteries.

The process in which the anatomical structure of the endocardial cushion is generated and organized. The endocardial cushion is a specialized region of mesenchymal cells that will give rise to the heart septa and valves.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the compact cardiac ventricle muscle are generated and organized.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of nervous tissue over time, from its formation to its mature state.

The regionalization process in which the areas along the dorsal/ventral axis are established that will lead to differences in cell differentiation. The dorsal/ventral axis is defined by a line that runs orthogonal to both the anterior/posterior and left/right axes. The dorsal end is defined by the upper or back side of an organism. The ventral end is defined by the lower or front side of an organism.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which a gene's coding sequence is converted into a mature gene product or products (proteins or RNA). This includes the production of an RNA transcript as well as any processing to produce a mature RNA product or an mRNA or circRNA (for protein-coding genes) and the translation of that mRNA or circRNA into protein. Protein maturation is included when required to form an active form of a product from an inactive precursor form.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells acquire specialized structural and/or functional features that characterize the mature cells of the hindbrain. Differentiation includes the processes involved in commitment of a cell to a specific fate.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cell migration.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

Any process by which an organism retains a population of somatic stem cells, undifferentiated cells in the embryo or adult which can undergo unlimited division and give rise to cell types of the body other than those of the germ-line.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the middle ear are generated and organized. The middle ear is the air-filled cavity within the skull of vertebrates that lies between the outer ear and the inner ear. It is linked to the pharynx (and therefore to outside air) via the Eustachian tube and in mammals contains the three ear ossicles, which transmit auditory vibrations from the outer ear (via the tympanum) to the inner ear (via the oval window).

The process, occurring in the embryo, by which the anatomical structures of the digit are generated and organized. A digit is one of the terminal divisions of an appendage, such as a finger or toe.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of osteoblast differentiation.

The process, occurring during the embryonic phase, whose specific outcome is the progression of the skeleton over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process in which the anatomical structure of cardiac atrium muscle is generated and organized.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a limb over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A limb is an appendage of an animal used for locomotion or grasping. Examples include legs, arms or some types of fin.

The process in which the anatomical structures of skeletal joints are generated and organized during the embryonic phase. A skeletal joint is the connecting structure between the bones of the skeleton.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency or extent of the activity of a molecule that controls the survival, growth, differentiation and effector function of tissues and cells.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

The developmental process in which a ventricular septum is generated and organized. A ventricular septum is an anatomical structure that separates the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart from one another.

The series of molecular signals generated as a consequence of a fibroblast growth factor receptor binding to one of its physiological ligands contributing to the anterior/posterior pattern of the neural plate.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, which contributes to the progression of the heart over time.

The process of shaping a trabecula in the heart. A trabecula is a small, often microscopic, tissue element in the form of a small beam, strut or rod, which generally has a mechanical function. Trabecula are usually but not necessarily, composed of dense collagenous tissue.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a pharyngeal arch artery is generated and organized. The pharyngeal arch arteries are a series of six paired embryological vascular structures, the development of which give rise to several major arteries, such as the stapedial artery, the middle meningeal artery, the internal carotid artery and the pulmonary artery.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency, or extent of the Wnt signaling pathway through beta-catenin, the series of molecular signals initiated by binding of a Wnt protein to a frizzled family receptor on the surface of the target cell, followed by propagation of the signal via beta-catenin, and ending with a change in transcription of target genes.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of epithelial to mesenchymal transition involved in endocardial cushion formation.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway involved in neural plate anterior/posterior pattern formation.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of the BMP signaling pathway.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of astrocyte differentiation.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a mesenchymal cell. A mesenchymal cell is a loosely associated cell that is part of the connective tissue in an organism. Mesenchymal cells give rise to more mature connective tissue cell types.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of transcription mediated by RNA polymerase II.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of transcription mediated by RNA polymerase II.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the skeleton over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The skeleton is the bony framework of the body in vertebrates (endoskeleton) or the hard outer envelope of insects (exoskeleton or dermoskeleton).

The process whereby a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an osteoblast, a mesodermal or neural crest cell that gives rise to bone.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the urogenital system over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the ureteric bud over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the embryo in the uterus over time, from formation of the zygote in the oviduct, to birth. An example of this process is found in Mus musculus.

The formation of the endoderm during gastrulation.

The process that gives rise to the mesoderm. This process pertains to the initial formation of the structure from unspecified parts.

A transition where an epithelial cell loses apical/basolateral polarity, severs intercellular adhesive junctions, degrades basement membrane components and becomes a migratory mesenchymal cell.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the neural plate are generated and organized. The neural plate is a specialized region of columnar epithelial cells in the dorsal ectoderm that will give rise to nervous system tissue.

The last step in the formation of the neural tube, where the paired neural folds are brought together and fuse at the dorsal midline.

The process in which the membranous septum is generated and organized. The membranous septum is the upper part of ventricular septum.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the outflow tract are generated and organized. The outflow tract is the portion of the heart through which blood flows into the arteries.

The process in which the anatomical structure of the endocardial cushion is generated and organized. The endocardial cushion is a specialized region of mesenchymal cells that will give rise to the heart septa and valves.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the compact cardiac ventricle muscle are generated and organized.

Any developmental process that results in the creation of defined areas or spaces within an organism to which cells respond and eventually are instructed to differentiate.

The chemotaxis process that directs the migration of an axon growth cone to a specific target site in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the central nervous system over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The central nervous system is the core nervous system that serves an integrating and coordinating function. In vertebrates it consists of the brain and spinal cord. In those invertebrates with a central nervous system it typically consists of a brain, cerebral ganglia and a nerve cord.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the brain over time, from its formation to the mature structure. Brain development begins with patterning events in the neural tube and ends with the mature structure that is the center of thought and emotion. The brain is responsible for the coordination and control of bodily activities and the interpretation of information from the senses (sight, hearing, smell, etc.).

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the endoderm over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The endoderm is the innermost germ layer that develops into the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs and associated tissues.

The activities involved in the mental information processing system that receives (registers), modifies, stores, and retrieves informational stimuli. The main stages involved in the formation and retrieval of memory are encoding (processing of received information by acquisition), storage (building a permanent record of received information as a result of consolidation) and retrieval (calling back the stored information and use it in a suitable way to execute a given task).

The process in which the migration of an axon growth cone of a motor neuron is directed to a specific target site in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.

Any process that activates or increases the rate or extent of cell proliferation.

Any process in an organism in which a change in behavior of an individual occurs in response to repeated exposure to a visual cue.

The regionalization process in which the areas along the dorsal/ventral axis are established that will lead to differences in cell differentiation. The dorsal/ventral axis is defined by a line that runs orthogonal to both the anterior/posterior and left/right axes. The dorsal end is defined by the upper or back side of an organism. The ventral end is defined by the lower or front side of an organism.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which a gene's coding sequence is converted into a mature gene product or products (proteins or RNA). This includes the production of an RNA transcript as well as any processing to produce a mature RNA product or an mRNA or circRNA (for protein-coding genes) and the translation of that mRNA or circRNA into protein. Protein maturation is included when required to form an active form of a product from an inactive precursor form.

Any process that decreases the frequency, rate or extent of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which a gene's coding sequence is converted into a mature gene product or products (proteins or RNA). This includes the production of an RNA transcript as well as any processing to produce a mature RNA product or an mRNA or circRNA (for protein-coding genes) and the translation of that mRNA or circRNA into protein. Protein maturation is included when required to form an active form of a product from an inactive precursor form.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the spinal cord over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The spinal cord primarily conducts sensory and motor nerve impulses between the brain and the peripheral nervous tissues.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells acquire specialized structural and/or functional features that characterize the mature cells of the hindbrain. Differentiation includes the processes involved in commitment of a cell to a specific fate.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the neural tube over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The mature structure of the neural tube exists when the tube has been segmented into the forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain and spinal cord regions. In addition neural crest has budded away from the epithelium.

The progression of the pituitary gland over time from its initial formation until its mature state. The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland that secretes hormones that regulate many other glands.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cell migration.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of the activity of any BMP receptor signaling pathway.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of the BMP signaling pathway.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of the BMP signaling pathway.

Any process by which an organism retains a population of somatic stem cells, undifferentiated cells in the embryo or adult which can undergo unlimited division and give rise to cell types of the body other than those of the germ-line.

The series of events that restore integrity to a damaged tissue, following an injury.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the middle ear are generated and organized. The middle ear is the air-filled cavity within the skull of vertebrates that lies between the outer ear and the inner ear. It is linked to the pharynx (and therefore to outside air) via the Eustachian tube and in mammals contains the three ear ossicles, which transmit auditory vibrations from the outer ear (via the tympanum) to the inner ear (via the oval window).

The process, occurring in the embryo, by which the anatomical structures of the digit are generated and organized. A digit is one of the terminal divisions of an appendage, such as a finger or toe.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of osteoblast differentiation.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of transcription from an RNA polymerase II promoter.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of transcription from an RNA polymerase II promoter.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the axial mesoderm over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The axial mesoderm includes the prechordal mesoderm and the chordamesoderm. It gives rise to the prechordal plate and to the notochord.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the notochord are generated and organized. The notochord is a mesoderm-derived structure located ventral of the developing nerve cord. In vertebrates, the notochord serves as a core around which other mesodermal cells form the vertebrae. In the most primitive chordates, which lack vertebrae, the notochord persists as a substitute for a vertebral column.

The developmental process pertaining to the initial formation of an anatomical structure from unspecified parts. This process begins with the specific processes that contribute to the appearance of the discrete structure and ends when the structural rudiment is recognizable. An anatomical structure is any biological entity that occupies space and is distinguished from its surroundings. Anatomical structures can be macroscopic such as a carpel, or microscopic such as an acrosome.

The developmental process pertaining to the initial formation of an anatomical structure from unspecified parts. This process begins with the specific processes that contribute to the appearance of the discrete structure and ends when the structural rudiment is recognizable. An anatomical structure is any biological entity that occupies space and is distinguished from its surroundings. Anatomical structures can be macroscopic such as a carpel, or microscopic such as an acrosome.

The process, occurring during the embryonic phase, whose specific outcome is the progression of the skeleton over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of astrocyte differentiation.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a mesenchymal cell. A mesenchymal cell is a loosely associated cell that is part of the connective tissue in an organism. Mesenchymal cells give rise to more mature connective tissue cell types.

Any process that activates or increases the rate or extent of epithelial cell proliferation.

Any process that activates or increases the rate or extent of epithelial cell proliferation.

The process in which the anatomical structure of cardiac atrium muscle is generated and organized.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cardiac muscle cell proliferation.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a limb over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A limb is an appendage of an animal used for locomotion or grasping. Examples include legs, arms or some types of fin.

The process in which the anatomical structures of skeletal joints are generated and organized during the embryonic phase. A skeletal joint is the connecting structure between the bones of the skeleton.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency or extent of the activity of a molecule that controls the survival, growth, differentiation and effector function of tissues and cells.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the face are generated and organized. The face is the ventral division of the head.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

The developmental process in which a ventricular septum is generated and organized. A ventricular septum is an anatomical structure that separates the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart from one another.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the lung are generated and organized.

The morphogenetic process in which a region of the fetal urogenital sinus epithelium is specified to become the prostate, resulting in prostate bud outgrowth.

The developmental process pertaining to the initial formation of the ureteric bud from the Wolffian duct. This process begins when the bud protrudes from the duct and ends when it is a recognizable bud.

The series of molecular signals generated as a consequence of a fibroblast growth factor receptor binding to one of its physiological ligands contributing to the anterior/posterior pattern of the neural plate.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency, or extent of cartilage development, the process whose specific outcome is the progression of the cartilage over time, from its formation to the mature structure. Cartilage is a connective tissue dominated by extracellular matrix containing collagen type II and large amounts of proteoglycan, particularly chondroitin sulfate.

The progression of a somite from its initial formation to the mature structure. Somites are mesodermal clusters that are arranged segmentally along the anterior posterior axis of an embryo.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, which contributes to the progression of the heart over time.

The process of shaping a trabecula in the heart. A trabecula is a small, often microscopic, tissue element in the form of a small beam, strut or rod, which generally has a mechanical function. Trabecula are usually but not necessarily, composed of dense collagenous tissue.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a pharyngeal arch artery is generated and organized. The pharyngeal arch arteries are a series of six paired embryological vascular structures, the development of which give rise to several major arteries, such as the stapedial artery, the middle meningeal artery, the internal carotid artery and the pulmonary artery.

Any process that activates or increases the rate or extent of oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) stimulus.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency, or extent of the Wnt signaling pathway through beta-catenin, the series of molecular signals initiated by binding of a Wnt protein to a frizzled family receptor on the surface of the target cell, followed by propagation of the signal via beta-catenin, and ending with a change in transcription of target genes.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of branching involved in ureteric bud morphogenesis, the process in which the branching structure of the ureteric bud is generated and organized. The ureteric bud is an epithelial tube that grows out from the metanephric duct. The bud elongates and branches to give rise to the ureter and kidney collecting tubules.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of glomerulus development, the progression of the glomerulus over time from its initial formation until its mature state. The glomerulus is a capillary tuft surrounded by Bowman's capsule in nephrons of the vertebrate kidney.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of epithelial to mesenchymal transition involved in endocardial cushion formation.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway involved in neural plate anterior/posterior pattern formation.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of apoptotic signaling pathway.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the muscle over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The muscle is an organ consisting of a tissue made up of various elongated cells that are specialized to contract and thus to produce movement and mechanical work.

The regionalization process in which the areas along the dorsal/ventral axis are established that will lead to differences in cell differentiation. The dorsal/ventral axis is defined by a line that runs orthogonal to both the anterior/posterior and left/right axes. The dorsal end is defined by the upper or back side of an organism. The ventral end is defined by the lower or front side of an organism.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of lens fiber cell differentiation.

The formation of bone or of a bony substance, or the conversion of fibrous tissue or of cartilage into bone or a bony substance.

The establishment of an organism's body plan or part of an organism with respect to the left and right halves. The pattern can either be symmetric, such that the halves are mirror images, or asymmetric where the pattern deviates from this symmetry.

The activities involved in the mental information processing system that receives (registers), modifies, stores, and retrieves informational stimuli. The main stages involved in the formation and retrieval of memory are encoding (processing of received information by acquisition), storage (building a permanent record of received information as a result of consolidation) and retrieval (calling back the stored information and use it in a suitable way to execute a given task).

Any process that activates or increases the rate or extent of cell proliferation.

Any process in an organism in which a change in behavior of an individual occurs in response to repeated exposure to a visual cue.

The regionalization process in which the areas along the dorsal/ventral axis are established that will lead to differences in cell differentiation. The dorsal/ventral axis is defined by a line that runs orthogonal to both the anterior/posterior and left/right axes. The dorsal end is defined by the upper or back side of an organism. The ventral end is defined by the lower or front side of an organism.

The progression of the hippocampus over time from its initial formation until its mature state.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the forebrain over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The forebrain is the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing chordate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain (in vertebrates, includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions).

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the cloaca over time, from it's formation to the mature structure. The cloaca is the common chamber into which intestinal, genital and urinary canals open in vertebrates.

The series of events that restore integrity to a damaged tissue, following an injury.

Any process that restricts, stops or prevents a cell from specifying into an endoderm cell.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the viscerocranium are generated and organized during the embryonic phase. The viscerocranium is the part of the skull comprising the facial bones.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the pronephros over time, from its formation to the mature structure. In mammals, the pronephros is the first of the three embryonic kidneys to be established and exists only transiently. In lower vertebrates such as fish and amphibia, the pronephros is the fully functional embryonic kidney and is indispensable for larval life.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of smooth muscle cell differentiation.

Any process that activates or increases the rate or extent of oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a stimulus indicating lowered oxygen tension. Hypoxia, defined as a decline in O2 levels below normoxic levels of 20.8 - 20.95%, results in metabolic adaptation at both the cellular and organismal level.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) stimulus.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

The space external to the outermost structure of a cell. For cells without external protective or external encapsulating structures this refers to space outside of the plasma membrane. This term covers the host cell environment outside an intracellular parasite.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

The long process of a neuron that conducts nerve impulses, usually away from the cell body to the terminals and varicosities, which are sites of storage and release of neurotransmitter.

A stable assembly of two or more macromolecules, i.e. proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates or lipids, in which at least one component is a protein and the constituent parts function together.

The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms. Includes the plasma membrane and any external encapsulating structures such as the cell wall and cell envelope.

A compound membranous cytoplasmic organelle of eukaryotic cells, consisting of flattened, ribosome-free vesicles arranged in a more or less regular stack. The Golgi apparatus differs from the endoplasmic reticulum in often having slightly thicker membranes, appearing in sections as a characteristic shallow semicircle so that the convex side (cis or entry face) abuts the endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicles emerging from the concave side (trans or exit face). In vertebrate cells there is usually one such organelle, while in invertebrates and plants, where they are known usually as dictyosomes, there may be several scattered in the cytoplasm. The Golgi apparatus processes proteins produced on the ribosomes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum; such processing includes modification of the core oligosaccharides of glycoproteins, and the sorting and packaging of proteins for transport to a variety of cellular locations. Three different regions of the Golgi are now recognized both in terms of structure and function: cis, in the vicinity of the cis face, trans, in the vicinity of the trans face, and medial, lying between the cis and trans regions.

The long process of a neuron that conducts nerve impulses, usually away from the cell body to the terminals and varicosities, which are sites of storage and release of neurotransmitter.

A stable assembly of two or more macromolecules, i.e. proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates or lipids, in which at least one component is a protein and the constituent parts function together.

The junction between a nerve fiber of one neuron and another neuron, muscle fiber or glial cell. As the nerve fiber approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic nerve ending, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the nerve ending is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic nerve ending secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.