What Is The Name Of The Junction Between Two Neurones?
What Is The Name Of The Junction Between Two Neurones?
Answer:
The junction between two neurons is called a synapse. This specialized structure allows the transmission of signals from one neuron to another.
Key Components of a Synapse:
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Presynaptic Neuron
- The neuron that sends the signal.
- Contains synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters.
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Synaptic Cleft
- The small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons.
- Neurotransmitters are released into this space.
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Postsynaptic Neuron
- The neuron that receives the signal.
- Contains receptors that bind to neurotransmitters, leading to the continuation of the signal.
Function of a Synapse:
- Synapses are critical for communication between neurons. When an electrical impulse reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters. These chemicals cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, propagating the signal.
Synapses play a crucial role in the nervous system, being involved in processes such as learning, memory, and reflexes.