synapse

[ sin-aps, si-naps ]

noun

1. a region where nerve impulses are transmitted and received, encompassing the axon terminal of a neuron that releases neurotransmitters in response to an impulse, an extremely small gap across which the neurotransmitters travel, and the adjacent membrane of an axon, dendrite, or muscle or gland cell with the appropriate receptor molecules for picking up the neurotransmitters.

verb (used without object)

, syn·apsed, syn·aps·ing.

1. Cell Biology, Physiology. to form a synapse or a synapsis.

synapse

/ ˈsaɪnæps /

noun

1. the point at which a nerve impulse is relayed from the terminal portion of an axon to the dendrites of an adjacent neuron

synapse

/ sĭn′ăps′ /

1. The small junction across which a nerve impulse passes from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, a muscle cell, or a gland cell. The synapse consists of the synaptic terminal , or presynaptic ending, of a sending neuron, a postsynaptic ending of the receiving cell that contains receptor sites, and the space between them (the synaptic cleft ). The synaptic terminal contains neurotransmitters and cell organelles including mitochondria. An electrical impulse in the sending neuron triggers the migration of vesicles containing neurotransmitters toward the membrane of the synaptic terminal. The vesicle membrane fuses with the presynaptic membrane, and the neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors of the connecting cell where they excite or inhibit electrical impulses.
2. See also neurotransmitter

synapse

1. A gap between two nerve cells . Nerve signals are sent across the gap by neurotransmitters .

Other Words From

• syn·ap·tic [si-, nap, -tik], syn·apti·cal adjective
• syn·apti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of synapse¹

1895–1900; back formation from synapses, plural of synapsis

Example Sentences

Researchers think these genetic variations may be related to the synapse losses and behavioral changes observed in people with schizophrenia.

From MIT Technology Review

One of the newest antidepressants approved in the US, ketamine, also appears to increase BDNF levels and promote synapse growth in the brain, providing additional support for the neuroplasticity theory.

From MIT Technology Review

There’s no telling exactly what scientists will find as, neuron by synapse, they map the inner workings of our minds—but it seems all but certain great discoveries await.

From Singularity Hub 

At any time, an atom will have a probability to be in one state, and another probability for a different state—a bit similar to whether a neuron decides to fire or not, or a synapse will pass on data or not.

From Singularity Hub 

If we peer deeply into the brain, in other words, what we’ll find is that electrochemical synapse firings—produced by neurons of various types—are responsible for, as Koch puts it, the feeling of life itself, consciousness.

From Nautilus

If you followed such things at the time, perhaps the phrase “Phase II report” will snap a synapse or two.

From The Daily Beast

Aren't all facts, at the neuron and synapse level, really the same?

From The Daily Beast

As for Cain, one wonders what synapse snapped into action there.

From The Daily Beast

Inside, the cacophony of neon signs are a synapse stimulus package for your jet-lagged mind.

From The Daily Beast

Maybe his secretary's two neurones would fail to synapse this morning, and she'd lose them altogether.

From Project Gutenberg

These are transferred from neuron to neuron through the synapse.

From Project Gutenberg

The contact of the axon of one neuron with the dendrons of another is called a synapse.

From Project Gutenberg

The place of juxtaposition of the end of one neurone against the beginning of another is called the synapse.

From Project Gutenberg

The simplest reflex arc consists then of a sensory neurone and a motor neurone, meeting at a synapse in a lower or reflex center.

From Project Gutenberg