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Synapse

A synapse is a functional junction between two nerve cells, facilitating communication through various types of neural cells: sensory, interneurons, and motor neurons. Synapses can be classified anatomically (e.g., axo-dendritic, axo-somatic) and physiologically (e.g., chemical, electrical), with chemical synapses involving neurotransmitter release and electrical synapses allowing direct ion exchange. The primary function of synapses is to transmit impulses, categorized into excitatory and inhibitory types based on their effects on signal transmission.

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10 views11 pages

Synapse

A synapse is a functional junction between two nerve cells, facilitating communication through various types of neural cells: sensory, interneurons, and motor neurons. Synapses can be classified anatomically (e.g., axo-dendritic, axo-somatic) and physiologically (e.g., chemical, electrical), with chemical synapses involving neurotransmitter release and electrical synapses allowing direct ion exchange. The primary function of synapses is to transmit impulses, categorized into excitatory and inhibitory types based on their effects on signal transmission.

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soniya93rani
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SYNAPSE

• Definition – Synapse is the functional communicating junction between 2 nerve cells.


• It is a specialized junction where transmission of information takes place between a nerve fibre
and another nerve, muscle or gland cell.

• Three types of neural cells:


• sensory neurons -take in signals
• interneurons -process signals
• motor neurons -send out signals
Classification of synapse
• Synapse is classified by two methods:

A. Anatomical classification

B. Functional classification.
Anatomical types
• Axo-dendritic synapse – between axon of one to dendrite of other.
• Axo-somatic – between axon of one to soma(body) of other.
• Axo-axonic – between two axons.

Thursday, February 6, 2025


Physiological Types.
• Chemical – by Neurotransmitter.(one direction)
• Electrical – transmission through Gap
junction.(both direction)
• Conjoint – Both chemical & electrical
transmission co-exists.

Thursday, February 6, 2025


1. Electrical Synapse
• Electrical synapse is the synapse in which the physiological continuity between the synaptic
neurons is provided by gap junction between the two neurons.

• There is direct exchange of ions between the two neurons through the gap junction.

• Because of this reason, the action potential reaching the terminal portion of presynaptic
neuron directly enters the postsynaptic neuron.

• Important feature of electrical synapse is that the synaptic delay is very less because of the
direct flow of current. Moreover, the impulse is transmitted in either direction through the
electrical synapse.

• This type of impulse transmission occurs in some tissues like the cardiac muscle fibers,
smooth muscle fibers of intestine and the epithelial cells of lens in the eye.
2. Chemical Synapse
• Chemical synapse is the junction between a nerve fiber and a muscle fiber or between two
nerve fibers, through which the signals are transmitted by the release of chemical transmitter.

• In the chemical synapse, there is no continuity between the two neurons because of the
presence of a space called synaptic cleft between the two neurons.

• Action potential reaching the presynaptic terminal causes release of neurotransmitter substance
from the vesicles of this terminal.

• Neurotransmitter reaches the postsynaptic neuron through synaptic cleft and causes the
production of potential change.
Functions of synapse
• Main function of the synapse is to transmit the impulses, i.e. action potential from one neuron to

another.

• However, some of the synapses inhibit these impulses. So the impulses are not transmitted to the

postsynaptic neuron.

• On the basis of functions, synapses are divided into two types:

1. Excitatory synapses, which transmit the impulses (excitatory function)

2. Inhibitory synapses, which inhibit the transmission of impulses (inhibitory function).


Question Bank from Unit-I
(A) Very short questions (2 marks for each)
a) What is neurotransmitter? Give the names of four neurotransmitters.
b) Write the nerve reflex activity.
c) Write any four functions of cerebrum.
d) Write the function of neurotransmitter.
e) Enlist brain ventricles
f) What the function of meninges
g) Write the functions of cerebrospinal fluid.
h) Define synaptic delay and synaptic fatigue.
i) Define synapse and action potential.
j) What are the constituents and functions of cerebrospinal fluid?
k) Write the functions of sensory and motor nerves.
l) Mention the types of neuroglial cells.
m) nervous system.
n) Write about the functions of 8th cranial nerve.
(B) Short questions (5 marks for each)
a) Write the classification and properties of nerve fibre
b) Explain the function of brain ventricles with diagram.
c) Draw a labeled diagram of brain stem. Write the four major functions of brain stem.
d) Write the function of neurotransmitter.
e) Explain reflex arc.
f) Describe the structure of neuron.
g) Explain the functions of afferent and efferent nerve tracts.
h) Explain the events that occur following the release of neurotransmitter at a synapse.
i) Write the functions of sensory and motor nerve tracts in spinal cord.
j) Describe the structure and functions of cerebellum.
k) Explain the events of a simple reflex arc.
l) Write the functions of the cranial nerves.
m) Draw a neat labelled diagram of nervous tissue. Write a note on neuraglia.
(C) Long questions (10 marks for each)
a) Write a note on
i) Action potential
ii) Reflex and reflex arc.
b) Write the structure and functions of cerebrum.
c) Write a detailed note on neurochemical transmission.

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