Role of Neurotransmitters at Synapses (Edexcel IGCSE Science)

The Role of Neurotransmitters

Spec point — 3.39 · understand the role of neurotransmitters at synapses

• Neurones are not directly connected to each other
• The tiny gap between two neurones is called a synapse
• When an electrical impulse reaches the end of one neurone, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers)
• These neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and bind to the next neurone, causing a new electrical impulse to be generated
• This process allows the impulse to pass from one neurone to the next

Synapses are tiny gaps between neurones