sy
napse
Plural
synapses
1
a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter
- Neurotransmitters released into the synapse bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Synapses play a crucial role in information processing in the nervous system, allowing communication between neurons.
- Chemical synapses are the most common type of synapse, involving the release of neurotransmitters to transmit signals.
- Electrical synapses, characterized by direct electrical coupling between neurons, allow for faster communication compared to chemical synapses.
- Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a phenomenon occurring at synapses, associated with the strengthening of synaptic connections and learning and memory.