Question

What are the two types of synapses?

Answer 1

A synapse is a junction at which a signal impulse is generated between two activated neurons which helps to transfer messengers.

Types of synapses:

A. Chemical synapse:

1. A chemical synapse involves chemical neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) such as acetylcholine by the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron.
2. The chemical messengers released in a synaptic cleft move towards the receptor located at the dendrite of a postsynaptic neuron.

B. Electrical synapse:

1. Electrical synapse involves the transfer of nerve impulses via ions and small metabolites.
2. Electrical synapses are composed of gap junctions (intracellular aggregates permitting the direct cell to cell transfer).
3. It generates an action potential to be transferred further.