Synapses Flashcards

All 3 cards in this deck

What is a synapse?

The gap between two neurones.

What are the steps by which an impulse passes from one neurone to the next across a synapse?

e.g. relay neurone to motor neurone

1. The impulse triggers release of a chemical (neurotransmitter) from the relay neurone.
2. The neurotransmitter diffuses across the synapse (the gap).
3. A new impulse is triggered in the motor neurone.

What name is given to the chemical released at a synapse?

A neurotransmitter (chemical messenger / chemical transmitter).