What is difference between synapse and synaptic cleft?

Question

Answer

Answer

[1]Synapse- Synapse is the neuronal junction. It is the site of transmissions of the electric nerve impulse between two neurons or between a neuron and a gland.

[2]Synaptic cleft- Cleft means the gap. So synaptic cleft means the tiny gap/opening between the two neurons.

Answer

Difference between Synapse and Synaptic Cleft

Synapse:
A synapse is a specialized junction that allows communication between neurons or between neurons and other cells. It is the point where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted from one neuron to another or from a neuron to a muscle cell or gland. Synapses play a crucial role in the transmission of information within the nervous system.

Synaptic Cleft:
The synaptic cleft is a small gap or space that exists between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron. It is a fluid-filled space where neurotransmitters are released and received during synaptic transmission. The synaptic cleft acts as a barrier that separates the pre-synaptic neuron from the post-synaptic neuron.

Differences:

1. Location:
- The synapse refers to the entire structure that includes both the pre-synaptic neuron and the post-synaptic neuron, along with the synaptic cleft.
- The synaptic cleft, on the other hand, specifically refers to the small gap between the axon terminal and the dendrite or cell body of the neighboring neuron.

2. Function:
- The synapse is responsible for transmitting signals from one neuron to another or from a neuron to a muscle cell or gland.
- The synaptic cleft acts as a space where neurotransmitters are released by the pre-synaptic neuron and received by the receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, allowing for the transmission of signals.

3. Structure:
- The synapse consists of the pre-synaptic neuron, post-synaptic neuron, and the synaptic cleft.
- The synaptic cleft is the physical gap between the axon terminal and the dendrite or cell body of the neighboring neuron.

4. Transmission of Signals:
- At the synapse, signals can be transmitted either electrically or chemically.
- In electrical synapses, the electrical signals pass directly between the neurons through gap junctions.
- In chemical synapses, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft by the pre-synaptic neuron, which then bind to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, leading to the transmission of chemical signals.

5. Role in Neural Communication:
- Synapses are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system as they enable communication and transmission of signals between neurons.
- The synaptic cleft plays a critical role in regulating the transmission of signals by controlling the release, diffusion, and binding of neurotransmitters.

In conclusion, the synapse is the overall structure that includes both the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons, while the synaptic cleft specifically refers to the small gap between them. The synapse facilitates the transmission of signals, while the synaptic cleft acts as a space where neurotransmitters are released and received. Both are crucial components in neural communication and play different roles in the transmission of signals within the nervous system.

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