Synapses

• Synapses


  Junctions between neurones that allow nerve impulses to pass from one neurone to adjacent neurone(s)
• Synaptic transmission


  1. Nerve impulse reaches end of neurone

  2. Transmitter chemicals released from vesicles

  3. Transmitter diffuses across gap between neurones

  4. Nerve impulse triggered in next neurone
• Synapse


  • Small gap between end of one neurone and start of next one
• Synaptic transmission is chemical, whereas transmission in neurones (nerve impulses) is electrical
• Nerve impulses


  Electricity traveling through the neurons
• Synapse


  Small gaps between neurons
• Electrical impulses move across synapse

  Using chemicals
• Drugs


  Can affect/slow down/even stop nerve impulses
• For an impulse to pass across a synapse


  1. End of the neurone produces a chemical transmitter (neurotransmitter)

  2. Neurotransmitter diffuses across the synapse to the next neurone

  3. Neurotransmitter binds to a receptor

  4. If the concentration is high enough an impulse will be triggered in the next neurone
• Example 1: A Synapse

  
• Example 2: A Synapse