Question

What happens at the synapse between two neurons?

Answer 1

Synapse:

1. Synapse is defined as the point of contact between the terminal branches of the axon of one neuron with the dendrite of another neuron.
2. Two neurons communicate through this junction.
3. This communication occurs through the production of neurotransmitters.
4. In a synapse, two neurons are involved.
5. One neuron that transmits the neurotransmitters is called a presynaptic neuron and the other neuron that acts like a receptor is called the postsynaptic neuron.

Mechanism of synapse:

1. When an electric impulse is generated, chemicals called neurotransmitters are generated at the end of the axons.
2. These substances are covered with vesicles called synaptic vesicles.
3. A small space between these two terminals is a gap called the synaptic cleft.
4. These synaptic vesicles dissolve in that space and the chemicals within them pass through the space between the two neurons and reach the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron.
5. The chemoreceptors located on the membranes of the postsynaptic neuron, get stimulated.
6. This stimulation causes voltage-gated Ca²⁺ ion channels to open and the influx of these ions takes place.
7. As neurotransmitter reaches the postsynaptic neuron, depolarization or hyperpolarization takes place, which is according to the nature of the ions involved.