synaptic cleft

synaptic cleft
synaptic cleft n the space between neurons at a nerve synapse across which a nerve impulse is transmitted by a neurotransmitter called also synaptic gap

* * *

1. a narrow extracellular cleft between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes. 2. synaptic trough.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • synaptic cleft — noun also synaptic gap : the space between neurons at a nerve synapse across which a nerve impulse is transmitted by a neurotransmitter * * * Physiol. the small gap, measured in nanometers, between an axon terminal and any of the cell membranes… …   Useful english dictionary

  • synaptic cleft — The narrow space between the presynaptic cell and the postsynaptic cell in a chemical synapse, across which the neurotransmitter diffuses …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • synaptic cleft — Physiol. the small gap, measured in nanometers, between an axon terminal and any of the cell membranes in the immediate vicinity. [1975 80] * * * …   Universalium

  • primary synaptic cleft — synaptic trough …   Medical dictionary

  • synaptic vesicle — n a small secretory vesicle that contains a neurotransmitter, is found inside an axon near the presynaptic membrane, and releases its contents into the synaptic cleft after fusing with the membrane …   Medical dictionary

  • cleft — A fissure. anal c. SYN: intergluteal c.. branchial clefts a bilateral series of slitlike openings into the pharynx through which water is drawn by aquatic animals; in the walls of the clefts are the vascular gill filaments that …   Medical dictionary

  • synaptic trough — an invagination of the membrane of a striated muscle fiber, surrounding a motor end plate at a neuromuscular junction. Called also synaptic cleft and primary synaptic cleft …   Medical dictionary

  • synaptic vesicles — small membrane bound structures behind a presynaptic membrane, containing neurotransmitters; when depolarization occurs they fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. Diagram of synaptic vesicles …   Medical dictionary

  • synaptic gap — noun see synaptic cleft …   Useful english dictionary

  • nervous system — Anat., Zool. 1. the system of nerves and nerve centers in an animal or human, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia. 2. a particular part of this system. Cf. autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous… …   Universalium

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