What is a synapse? How is the nerve impulse transmitted across a synapse?
Synapse: The functional/intercommunicating, junction between two neurons, the axon of one neuron and the dendron/dendrite/soma of another neuron, through which impulse is conducted, is called a synapse. Conduction of nerve impulse across a synapse: When a nerve impulse reaches the pre- synaptic membrane (membrane of synaptic button), the voltage-gated calcium channels, concentrated in the synapse, open. Calcium ions from the fluid in the synapse diffuse into the synaptic button and stimulate the synaptic vesicles to move to the terminal membrane, fuse with it and then rupture (exocytosis) to release the neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitter quickly diffuses across the synaptic cleft in the fluid and stimulates certain specific receptor molecules on the post-synaptic membrane (membrane of the next dendron/dendrite) and causes sparking and electrical current, passing the signal.
