Synaptic cleft

Definition

The synaptic cleft is a tiny gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron or muscle cell. It facilitates the transfer of chemical signals across neurons or between neurons and muscle cells.

Related terms

Neurotransmitter: Chemicals released by neurons at the synaptic cleft that transmit signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Axon Terminal: The end part of an axon that makes synaptic contacts with another nerve cell or an effector organ like a muscle.

Dendrite: Branch-like extensions of neurons that receive electrical signals from other neurons via synapses