The junction where one neuron communicates with another or with a muscle cell.
At chemical synapses the presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft (about 20 nm) and postsynaptic membrane form a one-way junction. Electrical synapses (gap junctions) are faster and bidirectional.
The synaptic cleft is crossed by diffusing transmitters in under a millisecond. Synaptic strength can change. Neuromuscular junction is the best studied synapse.
Remember: transmission is generally one-way.
The junction where one neuron communicates with another or with a muscle cell.
Synapse is one of the 54 topics in Neuroscience. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Neurotransmitters, Synaptic Transmission, Neuroinflammation.
The neuromuscular junction uses acetylcholine to trigger muscle contraction.
Synapse is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Neuroscience that pair well with it include Nervous System, Neuron, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems.
The closest topics to Synapse are Neurotransmitters, Synaptic Transmission, Neuroinflammation, Nervous System. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Synapse. To practise the whole of Neuroscience, use the Neuroscience quiz.
Synapse: The junction where one neuron communicates with another or with a muscle cell. Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers like dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine released across synapses. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Neurotransmitters and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Neuroscience quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Chemical messengers like dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine released across synapses.
🧠 NeuroscienceAn action potential triggers calcium entry, vesicle release of transmitter and receptor binding on the postsynaptic cell.
🧠 NeuroscienceActivated microglia and astrocytes release cytokines that contribute to neurological disease.
🧠 NeuroscienceThe brain, spinal cord and nerves that sense, process and respond to information.
🧠 Neuroscience