|
|
The synapse is the
connection between nerve cells (neurons) in animals
including humans. The synapse joins the axons in
one neuron to the dendrites in another. Here
is a diagram showing how the synapse connects axons to dendrites:
The synapse consists
of:
Synapses do not only
join axons to dendrites (axodendritic synapses) - they can also joins axons
to other axons (axoaxonic synapses) or to the soma - the neuronal cell
body - (axosomatic synapses).
A typical neuron in the central nervous system (CNS)
has around 100,000 synapses.
The effect of the release of neurotransmitters across the synapse may either be excitory -
making the triggering of a nerve impulse (action potential)
in the receiving neuron more likely - or inhibitory - making it less likely.
An action potential is an on-off event and is always -55 millivolts -
there are no grades of nerve impulse. Neurotransmitters, on the other hand, are additive -
if the net effect of all the excitory neurotransmitters minus all the inhibitory ones
achieves this threshold then an action potential will be initiated.
Synapse links:
Nerve impulses are transmitted
down to the presynaptic terminal in the axon of one neuron and across the
synaptic cleft to the postsynaptic terminal in the dendrite of another
neuron.
Neuroscience for Kids - The Synapse
Neuron Dendrite Spine & Synapse
Neuron Forming a Chemical Synapse
Transmission of Signals through a Neuron and Across a Synapse
Neural Synapses
MS Glossary
All About Multiple Sclerosis