Question

What is a synapse?

Hint:

Transmission of a signal \textit{along} a neuron is electrical, but transmission \textit{across} a synapse is chemical (via neurotransmitters).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Neurons do not physically touch each other; there is a communication gap between them.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
A synapse is the specialized junction between the axon terminal of one neuron (presynaptic neuron) and the dendrite or cell body of the next neuron (postsynaptic neuron).
When an electrical impulse reaches the axon terminal, it triggers the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft, which then bind to receptors on the next neuron to propagate the signal.

Step 3: Final Answer:
A synapse is the functional junction between two consecutive neurons.