The synapse
The synapse is an area between two neurons that allows for chemical communication. In 3 or 4 sentences, explain what part of the neurons are communicating with each other and in which direction does this communication occur? Be specific.
Sample Solution
n the synapse, two neurons communicate with each other in order to transfer information. The pre-synaptic neuron is the neuron that releases neurotransmitters and sends electrical or chemical signals. This signal then travels across the synapse to the post-synaptic neuron, which receives these signals and responds accordingly. Neurotransmitters are released from small sacs called vesicles, located at the axon terminal of the pre-synaptic neuron. These neurotransmitters travel across a gap known as a synaptic cleft between individual neurons and bind to special proteins on receptors located on the surface of dendrites of post-synaptic neurons. When neurotransmitter binds to receptor proteins it causes an electrical change within this membrane resulting in action potential, which can result in further communication between different areas of the brain via additional neurons forming more complex circuits leading to higher forms of learning, memory and behaviour patterns.