What type of cell is involved in forming synapses?

The type of cell involved in forming synapses is a neuron. Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the body via electrical and chemical signals. They communicate with each other at synapses, which are junctions where the end of one neuron meets another. At these synapses, neurotransmitters are released from the neuron sending signals and bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, facilitating communication.

Astrocytes, while crucial for supporting and regulating neuronal activity, do not form synapses themselves. They play a role in maintaining the environment around neurons and supporting synaptic function, but the actual synapse formation is not their primary function. Microglia are another type of glial cell involved in immune responses within the central nervous system and do not participate in synapse formation. Muscle cells, on the other hand, are not involved in neural communication but instead are responsible for contraction and movement in the body. Therefore, the formation of synapses is inherently a function of neurons, highlighting their critical role in the nervous system's signaling processes.