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Growing evidence suggests that propagation of cytosolic [Ca²⁺] ([Ca²⁺]_c) spikes and oscillations to the mitochondria is important for the control of fundamental cellular functions. Delivery of [Ca²⁺]_c spikes to the mitochondria may utilize activation of the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake sites by the large local [Ca²⁺]_c rise occurring in the vicinity of activated sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) Ca²⁺ release channels. Although direct measurement of the local [Ca²⁺]_c sensed by the mitochondria has been difficult, recent studies shed some light onto the molecular mechanism of local Ca²⁺ communication between SR/ER and mitochondria. Subdomains of the SR/ER are in close contact with mitochondria and display a concentration of Ca²⁺ release sites, providing the conditions for an effective delivery of released Ca²⁺ to the mitochondrial targets. Furthermore, many functional properties of the signalling between SR/ER …