Describe how a synapse works

 - An electrical impulse travels down the axon of a pre-synaptic neurone. - The movement of this electrical impulse initiates the release of chemical messengers which are called neurotransmitters. - The neurotransmitters move across the gap between the pre-synpatic neurone and post-synaptic neurone by means of diffusion. - The gap between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurone is referred to as the synapse. - On the post-synaptic neurone, receptor cells recognise and recieve the neurotransmitter emitted from the pre-synaptic neurone. - As a result, this causes the continuation of the electrical impulse across the post-synaptic synaspe.

SI
Answered by Saira I. Biology tutor

3274 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how synapses work in the context of the nervous system.


Explain the effect of an increase in temperature on enzymatic activity


What is the best way to revise?


What is the process of maintaining a constant internal enviornment, and why does it matter?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning