A process of secretion by a cell that results in the release of intracellular molecules (e.g. hormones, matrix proteins) contained within a membrane-bounded vesicle. Exocytosis can occur either by full fusion, when the vesicle collapses into the plasma membrane, or by a kiss-and-run mechanism that involves the formation of a transient contact, a pore, between a granule (for exemple of chromaffin cells) and the plasma membrane. The latter process most of the time leads to only partial secretion of the granule content. Exocytosis begins with steps that prepare vesicles for fusion with the membrane (tethering and docking) and ends when molecules are secreted from the cell.

The directed movement of substances from the Golgi to the plasma membrane in transport vesicles that move from the trans-Golgi network to the plasma membrane, where they fuse and release their contents by exocytosis.

Any cellular process that results in the specification, formation or maintenance of anisotropic intracellular organization or cell growth patterns.

The regulated release of neurotransmitter from the presynapse into the synaptic cleft via calcium-regulated exocytosis during synaptic transmission.

The memory process that deals with the storage, retrieval and modification of information a long time (typically weeks, months or years) after receiving that information. This type of memory is typically dependent on gene transcription regulated by second messenger activation.

Fusion of intracellular membrane-bounded vesicles with the pre-synaptic membrane of the neuronal cell resulting in release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

A process that converts synaptic vesicles to a state of competence for calcium triggered fusion with the active zone membrane by bringing the two membranes into very close proximity. Priming typically (but not always) occurs after docking (Jahn and Fasshauer, 2012). Primed vesicles are also capable of spontaneously fusing with the active zone membrane.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of neuromuscular synaptic transmission.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of exocytosis.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of exocytosis.

A secretory organelle, typically 50 nm in diameter, of presynaptic nerve terminals; accumulates in high concentrations of neurotransmitters and secretes these into the synaptic cleft by fusion with the 'active zone' of the presynaptic plasma membrane.

The junction between the axon of a motor neuron and a muscle fiber. In response to the arrival of action potentials, the presynaptic button releases molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane of the muscle fiber, leading to a change in post-synaptic potential.

The part of the cytoplasm that does not contain organelles but which does contain other particulate matter, such as protein complexes.

A homo- or hetero-pentameric protein complex that forms a transmembrane channel through which ions may pass in response to acetylcholine binding.