Synapse

• Synapse is a junction between a neuron and the next cell
• Tiny gap between cells and synapse is a synaptic cleft
• Presynaptic neuron has a synaptic knob containing synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters
• When electrical impulse reaches end of a neuron it causes neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft.

  They diffuse across to post-synaptic membrane and bind to receptors
• When electrical impulse arrives at synapse between 2 neurons

  • Neurotransmitters are released
  • Electrical impulse reach end of neuron
  • Receptors are stimulated
  • New impulse set off at next neuron
• Impulses are unidirectional
• Neurotransmitters removed from cleft so response doesn't keep happening