What is the difference between a synapse and a synaptic gap?

Answer 1

A synapse is the meeting point between two neurones, for example sensory neurone and relay neurone. The synaptic cleft (gap) is the gap between the neurones, across which a neurotransmitter diffuses to pass the impulse from one neurone to the next.

Answer 2

i have been trying to work that out. my a level Biology book requires an understanding of the differences, but they seem so physiologically simillar. for this reason i would say that the difference lies in the function; a synapse triggers the depolarisation, and subsequent action potential in another (postsynaptic neurone) whereas a neuromuscular junction causes a contraction of a motor unit in a muscle. another thing is that both cause a depolarisation, of the postsynaptic membrane or the sarcomella, but only in neuromuscular junctions does this depolarisation travel down invaginations in the membrane, called T systems. this allows for the depolarisation to reach far into the muscle fibres and cause a stronger contraction, using more of the filaments available. finally, only neuromuscular junctions have specialised endoplasmic reticulum that are involved in the effect. synapses just need the depolarisation of the cell surface membrane to cause an excitatory postsynaptic potential

Answer 3

Synpase, synaptic gap, and synaptic cleft are often used interchangeably to mean the space between two neurons where chemicals (neurotransmitters) are released from one cell (pre-synaptic) and received by another (post-synaptic).

Answer 4

A synapse is the junction between two neurons that allows for communication. The synaptic gap, also known as the synaptic cleft, is the small space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.