An electrical impulse arrives at the pre-synaptic neuron and triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to the post synaptic neuron. This binding stimulates either depolarisation of the post-synaptic neurone (excitation) or hyperpolarisation of the post-synaptic neuron (inhibition). (Could also include a diagram which would be demonstrated in tutorial sessions)