Sünapsina

Sünapsina is a term used in Estonian to describe a synapse, which is a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter. This is a fundamental structure in the nervous system, enabling communication between neurons. When an electrical impulse reaches the end of one neuron, it triggers the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, the small space between the neurons. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the surface of the next neuron, either exciting or inhibiting it, and thus transmitting the signal. There are two main types of synapses: chemical synapses, which use neurotransmitters as described, and electrical synapses, where the signal is passed directly through gap junctions between the cells, allowing for faster transmission. The precise functioning of synapses is crucial for all aspects of brain activity, from simple reflexes to complex thought processes and emotions. Disruptions to synaptic function can lead to various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Research into synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, is a key area of neuroscience, as it is believed to underlie learning and memory.