Term

What is synapse?

Definition

The junction (joining point) where one neurons is able to communicate signals to another neuron or cell

Term

What is a neurotransmitter?

Definition

chemical messenger secreted by neurons to carry a neural signals from a neuron to either another neuron or an effector (gland, muscle fiber)

Term

reference: synapse steps

Definition

1. an action potential travels down the axon to the axon terminal 2. synaptic vesicles move to and fuse with the presynaptic membrane 3. neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft 4. Neurotransmitters bind to receptor proteins and affect the postsynaptic neuron. It causes ion specific channels to open, and if the threshold is reached, an action potential will be initiated.