Revision as of 05:18, 23 March 2024

Overview

Two main types: Electrical and Chemical Synapses.

Electrical synapses use connexons for direct current flow.
- Direct, passive flow of electrical current.
Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters for cell-to-cell communication.
- Chemical: Communication via neurotransmitter release.

Over 100 different neurotransmitters identified.
Communication process: Synthesis, packaging, release, and binding of neurotransmitters, followed by rapid removal or degradation.

Feature	Electrical Synapses	Chemical Synapses
Structure	- Gap junctions<br>- Connexons enable close neuron-to-neuron links	- Larger synaptic cleft between neurons<br>- Synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminal
Function	- Direct flow of electrical current<br>- Current sourced from local potential difference	- Neurotransmitters facilitate communication as chemical messengers
Key Characteristics	- Permits passive electrical current flow<br>- Influenced by presynaptic action potential	- Presence of neurotransmitters in synaptic vesicles<br>- Acts through specialized receptors on postsynaptic cell

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-* Overview *
+= Overview =
 * The human brain consists of 86 billion neurons.
 * Communication among these neurons is facilitated by synapses.
+= Types of Synapses =
+Two main types: Electrical and Chemical Synapses.
+# Electrical synapses use connexons for direct current flow.
+#* Direct, passive flow of electrical current.
+# Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters for cell-to-cell communication.
+#* Chemical: Communication via neurotransmitter release.
+== Chemical Synapses and Neurotransmitters ==
+* Over 100 different neurotransmitters identified.
+* Communication process: Synthesis, packaging, release, and binding of neurotransmitters, followed by rapid removal or degradation.
+{| class="wikitable"
+!Feature
+!Electrical Synapses
+!Chemical Synapses
+|-
+|Structure
+| - Gap junctions<nowiki><br></nowiki>- Connexons enable close neuron-to-neuron links
+| - Larger synaptic cleft between neurons<nowiki><br></nowiki>- Synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminal
+|-
+|Function
+| - Direct flow of electrical current<nowiki><br></nowiki>- Current sourced from local potential difference
+| - Neurotransmitters facilitate communication as chemical messengers
+|-
+|Key Characteristics
+| - Permits passive electrical current flow<nowiki><br></nowiki>- Influenced by presynaptic action potential
+| - Presence of neurotransmitters in synaptic vesicles<nowiki><br></nowiki>- Acts through specialized receptors on postsynaptic cell
+|}