B14 supplement - synapses

What is a synapse

Synapse is the small gap/junction between 2 neurons

What are the three key structures in a synapse?

Vesicles - contains neurotransmitter molecules

Synaptic gap - The gap between 2 neurons

Receptor protein - The site where neurotransmitters bind

What happens at the synapse? State the 5 steps

1. An electrical impulse reaches the end of the first neuron

2. This impulse causes the vesicle to release neurotransmitter into the synaptic gap

3. The neurotransmitter diffuses across the synaptic gap

4. binds to the receptor protein on the next neuron

5. As the next neuron receives the neurotransmitter signal, it sends another electrical impulse across the next neuron

Why are impulses one way?

Neurotransmitter is released from the vesicles from one side, and the receptor protein in on the other side, therefore keeps it in one direction