Primary Somatosensory Cortex
Electrical Synapse – Basic Structure
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One way in which information is transferred between neighboring neurons is the electrical synapse.
- Neurons at electrical synapses are joined by
gap junctions. In these areas, the intercellular space narrows to 2-4 nm and adjacent neurons communicate through interconnecting channel proteins.
- The channels are called
connexons, and each is composed of six connexin protein subunits. Pairs of opposing connexons form water-filled pores that bridge the gap between neuron plasma membranes.
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- The channels allow
ionic current (or action potentials) to move quickly from one neuron to the next.
- Although the synaptic transmission is rapid, it is not easily modified. Because of this limitation, electrical synapses are relatively uncommon. They most frequently occur in areas of the brain where groups of neurons need to be synchronized (“fire” simultaneously).