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

3011 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the differences between different types of blood vessels


Name and explain the effect of fertiliser runoff into lakes


Describe the mechanism of a reflex action.


Explain the process of osmosis and give an example of where this occurs (5 marks).


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