Describe how a synapse works

 - An electrical impulse travels down the axon of a pre-synaptic neurone. - The movement of this electrical impulse initiates the release of chemical messengers which are called neurotransmitters. - The neurotransmitters move across the gap between the pre-synpatic neurone and post-synaptic neurone by means of diffusion. - The gap between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurone is referred to as the synapse. - On the post-synaptic neurone, receptor cells recognise and recieve the neurotransmitter emitted from the pre-synaptic neurone. - As a result, this causes the continuation of the electrical impulse across the post-synaptic synaspe.

SI
Answered by Saira I. Biology tutor

2988 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how the cardiac muscle controls the regular beating of the heart.


How can potable water be produced from salt water


1. Polydactyly is caused by a dominant allele, D. The recessive allele of the gene is represented by d. Use one genetic diagram to show the inheritance of the polydactyly gene by R and S.


What is a synapse and how does it work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning