What is a synaptic cleft?

Neurons are the functional units of the nervous system that transmit electrical impulses from one neuron to other target effector cells. The point of transfer or the junction from where the electrical signal is transmitted from one neuron to another is known as synapse. The space between two neurons across which the impulse is transmitted by a neurotransmitter is known as synaptic cleft.

The neuron that transmits the signals are known as presynaptic neurons and the neurons that receive the signal are known as postsynaptic neurons. However, there is no specific designation among neurons. Any of the neurons can be presynaptic, postsynaptic or both. The neurons are made up of a body, dendrites and an axon. The axon terminals are swollen and are known as synaptic knobs or synaptic boutons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1

What is the difference between synapse and synapsis?

Synapse is the junction between two neurons from where the electrical impulse is transmitted. On the other hand synapsis is the homologous pairing of two chromosomes during meiosis.
Q2

What is a synaptic bulb?

The swollen axon terminal is known as the synaptic bulb or synaptic knob.
Q3

What kind of a process takes place during signal transmission at a synapse?

Signal transmission at synapse is a chemical process.
Q4

What is an axosomatic synapse?

The synapse between an axon terminal and the cell body of a neuron is known as axosomatic synapse. The other synaptic contacts include: axodendritic synapse which is a contact between dendrite of one neuron to another and axoaxonic synapse where one neuron projects its axon terminals to another neuronal axon.
Q5

What is synaptic transmission?

Synaptic transmission is a biological activity where a neurotransmitter is released from one neuron, diffuses into another neuron and generates an electrical signal which can either enhance, inhibit or modulate a cellular activity.
Q6

Define synaptic potential.

Synaptic potential is a difference in potential across the postsynaptic membranes due to the action of neurotransmitters.

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