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Synapse

Definition

A synapse is a tiny gap at which nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other. Information from one neuron flows to another neuron across this small space.

Related terms

Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; essentially, it's a nerve cell.

Neurotransmitter: These are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another 'target' neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Receptor Site: These are specific areas on dendrites or neurons designed to receive specific neurotransmitters.

"Synapse" appears in:

Subjects (2)

AP Biology
Anatomy & Physiology

Study guides (2)

AP Psychology - 2.3 Overview of the Nervous System and the Neuron
AP Psychology - 2.4 Neural Firing

Practice Questions (7)

What is the process by which neural information is transferred from one neuron to another across a small gap called the synapse, which can be used to integrate and process information in the brain?
What is the synapse?
Which component of a neuron releases neurotransmitters into synapse?
What is released into the synapse following neural firing?
Which process involves the neuron releasing neurotransmitters into the synapse?
In what way does excitatory neurotransmission differ from inhibitory neurotransmission at a given synapse?
Which type of drug functions by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the synapse?

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