Synapses

This lesson covers: 

1. The functions of synapses
2. The structure of synapses

The functions of synapses

A synapse is a junction where information is transferred from one neurone to another neurone or to an effector cell. Synapses are designed to allow transmission in only one direction: from presynaptic neurones to postsynaptic neurones or effector cells.

Synapses play several key roles in neural communication:

1. They transmit information through the release of neurotransmitter chemicals.
2. A single impulse from a presynaptic neurone can initiate impulses in multiple postsynaptic neurones or effector cells.
3. Impulses from several presynaptic neurones can be combined into a single postsynaptic response.

If a synapse is weakly stimulated, it might not release enough neurotransmitter to reach the threshold necessary for an action potential to be generated in the postsynaptic neurone or effector cell. Summation is a process that combines these inputs to make the generation of an action potential in a postsynaptic neurone or effector cell more likely.

The structure of synapses

Synapses are crucial for connecting neurones and coordinating activities in the nervous system.

The key structures in a synapse include:

1. Presynaptic neurone - This neurone releases neurotransmitters into the synapse.
2. Synaptic knob - The section at the end of the presynaptic neurone that contains the organelles needed for neurotransmitter production, like mitochondria to release energy.
3. Synaptic vesicles - These sacs within the synaptic knob store neurotransmitters until they are released.
4. Synaptic cleft - The gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurones' membranes.
5. Postsynaptic neurone - This neurone receives the neurotransmitters and can generate new action potentials.
6. Neurotransmitter receptors - These specific molecules on the postsynaptic membrane bind with the neurotransmitters.