T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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A synapse is a junction between two neurons in which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter. The synaptic cleft separates the axon terminals from a dendrite of a neuron.
Three synapses are seen in this micrograph (#1, #2, and #3). The direction of transmission is indicated by arrows (blue).
Axon Terminals (green) - several axons form synapses with the dendrite
Synaptic Vesicles - small vesicles released by electrical depolarization of the plasma membrane facing the synaptic cleft
Synaptic cleft - narrow gap that separates an axon terminal and a dendrite
Dendrite (blue) - extensions of the nerve cell that receive input from other cells
Post-synaptic Density (dark green)
Unmeylinated axons (orange) and the cytoplasm of surrounding Schwann cells (tan) are also visible.