The junction between two neurons is called a Synapse through which a nerve impulse is transmitted. The first neuron involved in the synapse forms the pre-synaptic neuron and the second neuron is the post-synaptic neuron.
A small gap between the pre- and post-synaptic membranes is called Synaptic Cleft that forms a structural gap and a functional bridge between neurons. The axon terminals contain synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters.
When an impulse [action potential] arrives at the axon terminals, it depolarizes the pre-synaptic membrane, opening the voltage-gated calcium channels. Influx of calcium ions stimulates the synaptic vesicles towards the pre-synaptic membrane and fuses with it.
In the neurilemma, the vesicles release their neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft by exocytosis. The released neurotransmitters bind to their specific receptors on the post-synaptic membrane, responding to chemical signals.
The entry of the ions can generate a new potential in the post-synaptic neuron, which may be either excitatory or inhibitory. Excitatory post-synaptic potential causes depolarization whereas inhibitory post-synaptic potential causes hyperpolarization of post- synaptic membrane.
