sináptico

Sináptico refers to anything related to a synapse. A synapse is a specialized junction between two nerve cells, called neurons, or between a neuron and a muscle or gland cell. It is where information is transmitted from one cell to another. This transmission can occur through chemical or electrical means.

At a chemical synapse, the presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, a small gap between the cells. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, causing a change in its electrical activity. This is the most common type of synapse in the nervous system. Electrical synapses, on the other hand, involve direct physical connections between cells, allowing ions to flow directly from one cell to the next, resulting in very rapid signal transmission.

The term "sináptico" can be used as an adjective to describe various aspects of this process. For example, synaptic transmission refers to the overall process of information transfer across a synapse. Synaptic plasticity describes the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, which is fundamental to learning and memory. Synaptic vesicles are small sacs within the presynaptic neuron that store neurotransmitters, ready for release. Synaptic cleft is the space between neurons where chemical neurotransmitters diffuse. Understanding synaptic function is crucial for comprehending how the nervous system operates and how neurological disorders can arise.