Synapse
Presented By :- Payal Jagtap
OBJECTIVES
• Introduction to synapse
• Classification of synapse
• Classification based on type of transmission
• Classification based on response
• Structure of the synapse
• Mechanism based on transmission of impulse at synpase (Excitatory)
• Inhibition of transmission at synapase (Inhibitory)
Introduction to synapse
▪ It is a physiological junction between two neurons
each synapse is always either excitatory or
inhibitory.
▪ There are about 10 trillion synapses in human
brain.
▪ Basically synapse is a functional junction between
two neurons.
Classification of synapse
On the basis of this there are four types of synapses are as follows :
➢Axo-dendritic :
It is the most common synapse that is formed between the axon of the presynaptic
neuron and the dendrite of the postsynaptic neuron These are often excitatory in
nature
➢ Axo-somatic :
This synapse is formed between the axon and the cell body, Mostly these are
inhibitory in nature.
➢ Axo-axonic :
This is formed between is between two axons.
➢ Dendro-dendritic :
This synapse is between dendrite of one neuron and dendrite of another neuron.
These are seen in the olfactory bulbs
Classification based on type of transmission
• Three types of synapse are as follows :
➢Chemical
➢Electrical
➢Conjoint
➢ Chemical Transmission
1. Neurons release chemicals (neurotransmitters).
2. Chemicals cross the synapse to the next neuron.
3. Transmission is unidirectional.
4. Most impulse transmission in humans is chemical.
➢ Electrical Transmission
1. Electrical transmission takes place by the transfer of ions
2. This transmission can go in both directions.
➢Conjoint
1. These are the synapse where transmission is both chemical and electrical
Classification based on response
• On the basis of the response, synapses are of three types
• 1. Excitatory synapses impulse is conducted across these synapses
• 2 Inhibitory synapses impulse is not conducted through these
synapses.
• 3 Modulatory synapses:- Impulse transmission across these synapses
is modified .
Structure of synapse
• 1. Presynaptic Neuron:- The neuron that sends the signal.it contains vesicles,
mitochondria , microtubules.
• 2. Postsynaptic Neuron:- The neuron that receives signal .
• 3. Synaptic Cleft – The small gap between two neurons it is filled with amorphous
substance with contains enzyme that destroy the released neurotransmitter after
its action is over .
1. Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron .
2. They cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the post synaptic neuron
3. This binding causes a signal to be transmitted to the post synaptic neuron .
4. The signal can be either excitatory or inhibitory .
MECHANISM OF TRANSMISSION
OF IMPULSE AT SYNAPSE
➢ Excitatory post synaptic potential
➢ Inhibitory post synaptic potential
Excitatory postsynaptic potential
(EPSP)
1.Nerve impulse travels along the nerve fibre causing , depolarisation of
Inhibitory post synaptic potential the presynaptic nerve termina. opening of Voltage-gated Ca ++ channels
(IPSP) and ca enters the presynaptic nerve terminal.
2.Vesicles fuse with presynaptic membrane and rupture releasing the
neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.
3.Neurotransmitter combines with the receptors
4.present on the subsynaptic membrane.
5.This leads to opening of ligand gated Cl- and enters the postsynaptic
Excitatory post synaptic potential nerve terminal.
(EPSP
Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential develops due to hyperpolarization
(IPSP).
6.Impulse conduction is blocked
THANKYOU
Reference :- L.P Reddy Book
