The synapse, or synaptic cleft, is the space between the end of the axon and the dendrites of the next neuron. Chemical Communication Nerve cells communicate chemically and electronically at synapses. Since most communication occurs chemically, we will focus on chemical neurotransmission. Before release, the NTs are stored in synaptic vesicles. The NTs cross the synaptic cleft and create an electrical change in the postsynaptic cell.
Synapses are highly active biochemical sites, requiring a great deal of protein for their function.
Figure 2 details the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminal and their uptake by the postsynaptic terminal. This stops depolarization. Neuron Function Figure 3. Molecular Biology of the Cell. The Function of the Neuron.