What is a synapse?

A synapse is the area between two nerve cells, allowing electrical impulses to be passed between them. In order to cross the gap from one neuron to another, the impulse gets converted to neurotransmitter - these are chemical messengers. The neurotransmitter moves from one neuron to the next by a process called diffusion. Once it reaches the next neuron, the neurotransmitter binds to complimentary chemical receptors found on the membrane. Now the neurotransmitter can be converted back into an electrical impulse which can flow in the next neuron.