synapse: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Sep. 17, 2026

Facts

Also Known As	synaptic junction • neuronal junction

Photos

Diagram showing how nerve impulses travel between neurons at synapses, with labeled parts including axon, cell body, dendrite, axon terminal, and a detailed view of the synaptic cleft and vesicles.

Diagram showing the chemical transmission of nerve impulses at a synapse, with labeled steps illustrating neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic terminal, movement across the synaptic cleft, binding to postsynaptic channel receptors, and resulting signal propagation in the nervous system.

Diagram showing the organization of the autonomic nervous system, with labeled pathways for parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, highlighting synapses, neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and their receptor types.

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Topics

localized potential chemical transmission synaptic cleft action potential postsynaptic potential resting potential synaptic delay absolute refractory period mobilization of the transmitter relative refractory period neural stem cell Central nervous system neuron ganglion human nervous system Senses neuroplasticity neural oscillation

Key People

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Thomas C. Südhof

German-American neuroscientist

Sir Charles Sherrington

Sir Charles Scott Sherrington

British physiologist

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Eric Kandel

Austrian-American neurobiologist