Synapses

• Neurones don’t touch. Gap between = synapse
• Synapse = control/ send messages around body
• Axon- messages away from body
• Dendron— messages to body
• Electrical impulses - reaches end of axon- vesicles in axon move to outer edge and release neurotransmitters into synapse
• Neurotransmitter- moves across the synapse and attaches to special receptors of the dendrite on the receiving neurone
• Electrical Signals + Chemical Neurotransmitters are good because

  • Messages - too fast electrical
  • False signals - can trigger other messages
  • Neurotransmitters- reach a threshold before they get passed on - ensure messages travel in one direction
• Neurotransmitters (a chemical)- diffuse across the synapse and bind to receptors on the next neurone
• Synapses prevent insignificant signals from interfering with the transmission of important signals.