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General Structure of a Neuron Synapse

General Structure of a Neuron Synapse

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update: Oct 4th, 2022

A synapse is a junction formed between two neurons, which allows the cells to communicate.

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons (presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons) showing the basic structures

An image showing the synapse between 2 neurons (presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons) showing the basic structures, the synapse is labeled

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The neuron approaching the synapse is called the presynaptic neuron.

An image showing the synapse between 2 neurons (presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons) showing the basic structures, the synapse is labeled

An image showing the synapse between 2 neurons (presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons) showing the basic structures, presynaptic neuron and the synapse are labeled

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On the other side of the synapse is the postsynaptic neuron.

An image showing the synapse between 2 neurons (presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons) showing the basic structures, presynaptic neuron and the synapse are labeled

An image showing the synapse between 2 neurons (presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons) showing the basic structures, presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons and the synapse are labeled

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At the synapse, the presynaptic neuron sends (or transmits) chemical or electrical signals to the postsynaptic neuron.

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An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the signals from presynaptic neurons moving to the synapse through the axon

The signals received by the postsynaptic neuron produce either an inhibitory or excititory repsonse.

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing stimulation process in the synapse area after the action potential reached

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing stimulation process in the synapse area after the action potential reached

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing stimulation process in the synapse area after the action potential reached

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing stimulation process in the synapse area after the action potential reached

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing stimulation process in the synapse area after the action potential reached

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing stimulation process in the synapse area after the action potential reached

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse

An image of a synapse between 2 neurons showing the response of the postsynaptic neuron after the action potential reached the synapse