Definition The synaptic gap is a space between two communicating nerve cells that plays an important role in the transmission of action potentials (nerve impulses). In it a modulation of signal transmission takes place, which has a great pharmacological importance. Construction of a synaptic cleft A synapse is the transition between two nerve cells or … Synaptic cleft
Functionality of chemical synapses Whenever a nerve cell sends a signal to a muscle, gland or other nerve cell, the transmission takes place via the synaptic gap, which is only about 20-30 nanometers wide. The long extensions of the nerve cells (also called “axons”) conduct the nerve impulse (i.e. the “action potential“) from the center … Functionality of chemical synapses | Synaptic cleft
Simplified pictorial representation For better understanding the following illustration: A group of hikers (=action potentials) wants to cross a river (=synaptic cleft) with boats (=synaptic vesicles), but there is only one docking and undocking point per side (=pre- & postsynaptic membrane). If they have successfully crossed the flow, they can continue their migration on the … Simplified pictorial representation | Synaptic cleft
