Changing Structure (IMAGE)
Caption
A synapse formed by the auditory nerve in a normal mouse (blue, left), and in a mouse exposed to noise for a week (blue, right).
Researchers say it's likely that synapses become enlarged in noise-exposed mice to create space for more vesicles -- small round structures that store chemicals used to deliver messages to the brain.
Credit
Amanda M. Lauer, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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