Synapse nerve junctions. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through nerve cells showing their synapses, the junctions between tw
Synapse nerve junctions. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through nerve cells showing their synapses, the junctions between two nerve cells. At a synapse an electrical signal is transmitted from one cell to the next in only one direction. When an electrical signal reaches a synapse it triggers the release of neurotransmitter chemicals from vesicles (green) in the presynaptic cell. The neurotransmitters cross a microscopic gap called the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, causing it to propagate an electrical impulse. Mitochondria, which supply the cells with energy, are red.
Size: 5009px × 3543px
Photo credit: © DR DAVID FURNESS, KEELE UNIVERSITY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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