How does a synapse work?

Answer 1

There are several types of synapses in the body. The most commonly discussed type is the chemical synapse, but other types of synapses include electrical synapses and immunological synapses. Because chemical synapses are the most commonly discussed synapses in general, that's probably what this question is referring to.

A chemical synapse is a small gap, or commonly referred to as a connection, between two cells that allows for the first cell (the presynaptic cell) to communicate with the second cell (the postsynaptic cell) through a chemical signal. These chemical signals are called neurotransmitters, and once they are released by the presynaptic cell, they act on the postsynaptic cell through specialized protein molecules called neurotransmitter receptors.

The actions triggered by a neurotransmitter binding its receptor on the postsynaptic cell are highly varied. They vary according to the type, quantity, and frequency of neurotransmitter release, the specific receptor involved, the type of cell that is receiving the neurotransmitter signal, among other things. For example, a neurotransmitter called glutamate typically causes activation of the postsynaptic cell, while a neurotransmitter called GABA typically inhibits postsynaptic cells. Likewise, if the postsynaptic cell belongs to a gland, then activity in that cell may promote secretion, while inhibition may hinder secretion. If the postsynaptic cell is a muscle fiber, then activation triggers muscle contraction, while inhibition causes relaxation.

A synapse is a connection which allows for the transmission of nerve impulses. Synapses can be found at the points where nerve cells meet other nerve cells, and where nerve cells interface with glandular and muscular cells. In all cases, this connection allows for the one-way movement of data. The human body contains trillions of synapses, and at any given time, huge numbers of these connections are active.

Answer 2

There are many kinds of synapses in the nervous system, but I assume you're talking about the most commonly discussed type: the chemical synapse. These synapses join nerve cells (called neurons) and allow them to communicate.

Communication across a chemical synapse is called synaptic transmission. It occurs when electrical activity (called an action potential) in the first cell triggers the release of a chemical signal (called a neurotransmitter) across the synapse. The neurotransmitter travels across the synapse by a process of diffusion, ultimately reaching its target, the second cell. There, the neurotransmitter binds a special type of protein molecule called a neurotransmitter receptor, which changes its shape in response to binding the neurotransmitter. This shape change results in a series of subsequent changes in the second cell. These subsequent changes result in alterations in the electrical activity of the second cell.

The gist of synaptic transmission is that it allows the electrical activity in one nerve cell to influence the electrical activity of another.

Answer 3

The junction across which a nerve impulse passes from an axon terminal to a neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

intr.v. syn·apsed, syn·aps·ing, syn·aps·es1. To form a synapse.

2. To undergo synapsis.

Answer 4

It travels via action potential down the axon to what is called the terminal button, which forms one part of the synapse. The terminal button contains neurotransmitters stored in vesicles. When the signal reaches the end of the axon, these vesicles fuse with the cell membrane and the neurotransmitters are dumped outside of the cell (a process called exocytosis) into the synapse.

Thannks. [ESP]Lacrox

Answer 5

There are neurotransmitters that help to transmit the impulse through the the synapses. This is done in very short time of few milliseconds. The acetylcholine and noradrenaline are the examples of neurotransmitters.

Answer 6

Electrical connections