How does a synapse work?

A synapse is the gap between two neurons. For an electrical impulse to travel from one neuron to the next, it must pass across a synapse.So, when an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, it causes the release of neurotransmitters, which are a type of chemical messenger. The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and bind to receptors on the membrane of the next neuron, triggering this neuron to transmit an electrical impulse.

Answered by Anna H. Biology tutor

2597 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Define the term osmosis


Why does as an excess of nutrients such as nitrates lead to animal death in bodies of freshwater?


Respiration transfers energy from glucose for muscle contraction. Describe how glucose from the small intestine is moved to a muscle cell.


How can a child inherit a disease from their parents if neither parent has the disease?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences