How does a synapse work?

A synapse is the gap between two neurons. For an electrical impulse to travel from one neuron to the next, it must pass across a synapse.So, when an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, it causes the release of neurotransmitters, which are a type of chemical messenger. The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and bind to receptors on the membrane of the next neuron, triggering this neuron to transmit an electrical impulse.

AH
Answered by Anna H. Biology tutor

3129 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how changes to the guard cells on the warm day help the plant to survive


What is a punnett square?


What's the difference between cell division and cell differentiation?


Describe how a simple Reflex works.


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