synapse

synapse is a topic covered in the Taber's Medical Dictionary.

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(sĭn′ăps)

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[Gr. synapsis, point of contact]
The space between the junction of two neurons in a neural pathway, where the termination of the axon of one neuron comes into close proximity with the cell body or dendrites of another. The electrical impulse traveling along a presynaptic neuron to the end of its axon releases a chemical neurotransmitter that stimulates or inhibits an electrical impulse in the postsynaptic neuron; synaptic transmission is in one direction only. Synapses are susceptible to fatigue, offer a resistance to the passage of impulses, and are markedly susceptible to the effects of oxygen deficiency, anesthetics, and other agents, including therapeutic drugs and toxic chemicals.
SYN: SEE: synapsis (1)
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SYNAPSE Axon terminal synapse


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SYNAPSE Transmission at an excitatory synapse (arrow indicates direction of impulse)

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(sĭn′ăps)

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.

[Gr. synapsis, point of contact]
The space between the junction of two neurons in a neural pathway, where the termination of the axon of one neuron comes into close proximity with the cell body or dendrites of another. The electrical impulse traveling along a presynaptic neuron to the end of its axon releases a chemical neurotransmitter that stimulates or inhibits an electrical impulse in the postsynaptic neuron; synaptic transmission is in one direction only. Synapses are susceptible to fatigue, offer a resistance to the passage of impulses, and are markedly susceptible to the effects of oxygen deficiency, anesthetics, and other agents, including therapeutic drugs and toxic chemicals.
SYN: SEE: synapsis (1)
Descriptive text is not available for this image

SYNAPSE Axon terminal synapse


Descriptive text is not available for this image

SYNAPSE Transmission at an excitatory synapse (arrow indicates direction of impulse)

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