Question

What is a synaptic knob?

Answer 1

Synaptic knob:

1. A synaptic knob is a terminal branch at the end of the post synaptic neuron.
2. The presynaptic neuron ends in swelling and is called the synaptic knob.
3. Small vesicles contain neurotransmitters.
4. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that the body makes to relay a message between neurons and other cells.
5. When a nerve impulse arrives at the synaptic knob, then the neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft.
6. The plasma membrane of the postsynaptic neuron contains the receptors for the neurotransmitter.
7. The neurotransmitter results in various actions like contraction of a muscle or activation of other neurons.