Question

Write a short note on synapse.

Answer 1

Lets’ imagine nerve signal as electrical current, and the neurons like wires. Then synapses will be the outlets or we can say junction boxes which connect the current to a light bulb (or any other electrical appliance of your choosing), allowing the bulb to light.

Complete Answer:
The word synapse comes from the Greek word synapsis which means conjugation. Synapses are important to neuronal function: neurons are cells that perform the function of passing the signals to individual target cells, and these are the means by which the signals are passed on. At a synapse, the plasma membrane of the signal-passing neuron, called pre synaptic neuron which then comes in close proximity with the membrane of the target neuron, also called postsynaptic neuron cell. Both the presynaptic and postsynaptic sites contain arrays of molecular machinery which extensively link the two membranes together and carry out the signalling process. In many synapses, the location of the presynaptic part is on an axon and the location of the postsynaptic part is on a dendrite which is also called as soma. Along with this Astrocytes also exchange information with the synaptic neurons, responding to synaptic activity and, in turn, and it regulates the neurotransmission. So, when a nerve signal reaches the end of the neuron, it cannot simply continue to the next cell. Instead, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters which can then carry the impulse through the synapse to the next neuron. Synapses or specifically chemical synapses are stabilized in position by synaptic adhesion molecules or SAMs projecting from both the pre- and postsynaptic neuron, they stick together where they overlap; SAMs may also assist in the generation and functioning of synapses.

Note: Synapse is a junction between two neurons which passes information from one neuron to the next. Neurons are not continuous throughout the body, they still communicate with each other in a manner known as the neuron doctrine.