Electrical synapses

Electrical Synapses

Electrical synapses (pronunciation: /ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl ˈsaɪnæpsɪz/) are a type of biological synapse that allows direct pass of electrical signals from one cell to another. Unlike chemical synapses, which use chemical neurotransmitters to transmit signals, electrical synapses use gap junctions to allow ions and small molecules to pass directly between cells.

Etymology

The term "synapse" comes from the Greek words "syn" (together) and "haptein" (to fasten), referring to the connection between two neurons. The prefix "electrical" refers to the method of signal transmission.

Structure and Function

Electrical synapses are composed of gap junctions, which are intercellular channels that allow direct communication between the cytoplasm of two cells. These junctions are made up of proteins called connexins that form a pore for ions and small molecules to pass through.

The main function of electrical synapses is to transmit electrical signals quickly and directly from one cell to another. This allows for rapid, synchronized activity among groups of neurons, which is important in certain physiological processes such as cardiac muscle contraction and the propagation of action potentials in the nervous system.

Related Terms

• Gap junction
• Connexin
• Chemical synapse
• Neuron
• Action potential
• Cardiac muscle

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Cell biology
• Physiology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Electrical synapses
• Wikipedia's article - Electrical synapses

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