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

These fibers form a contact point to pyramidal cells -- the mossy fiber synapse.

From Science Daily

In the current study, the researchers analysed the functional consequences of altered signal balance in 25 individuals induced by the antagonist of autotaxin, which reduces the activated lipids at the synapse.

From Science Daily

Südhof has had a huge impact on the understanding of the synapse and is modeling a culture of integrity for his team, Schrag says.

From Science Magazine

"Technological limitations have long prevented a comprehensive inventory of the activity at the synapse involved in memory formation," says lead author Ezgi Hacisuleyman, who conducted the research as a postdoctoral researcher in Darnell's laboratory.

From Science Daily

They saw reduced receptor activity at the synapse, fewer seizures in the mice and reduced mortality from seizures.

From Science Daily