Neurons are depolarized (excited), causing an action potential to be fired which advances towards axon terminals

Action potential causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open

Calcium ions cause synaptic vesicles to migrate to the presynaptic membrane where neurotransmitter molecules are released

Neurotransmitters bind to corresponding receptors on postsynaptic cells, causing a change in function of the postsynaptic cell

Reuptake of neurotransmitters causes neurotransmitter breakdown and any neurotransmitter action to cease

Presynaptic autoreceptors continue to monitor and signal increased or decreased neurotransmitter levels