Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A synapse is a specialized junction at which a neuron communicates with another neuron or with a muscle or gland cell. It allows the transmission of electrical or chemical signals between cells.
A chemical substance released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.