5.2.3

Synapses

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Synapses

Synapses are gaps between neurones, and can be found at each junction of a reflex arc. Nerve impulses need to travel across synapses:

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Arrival at the synapse

  • The electrical impulse reaches the end of the neurone before the synapse.
  • This triggers the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters.
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Passing on the impulse

  • The neurotransmitters diffuse (move down a concentration gradient) across the synapse.
  • The neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the next neurone.
  • The presence of the neurotransmitter causes the production of an electrical impulse in the next neurone.
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Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

6.1Reproduction

6.2Variation & Evolution

6.3Genetics & Evolution

6.4Classification

7Ecology

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