Synapse: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
synapse
[ หsษชnรฆps ]
neuroscience
A synapse is the junction between two neurons, where signals are transmitted from one neuron to another. It plays a critical role in the transmission of nerve impulses, allowing for communication within the nervous system.
Synonyms
connection, interface, junction
Examples of usage
- The synapse facilitates the flow of information between nerve cells.
- Dopamine release occurs at the synapse during reward signaling.
- Changes in synapse strength are thought to underlie learning and memory.
biology
In a broader biological context, a synapse can refer to any junction between two cells, not just neurons. This includes synapses between immune cells or between muscle cells and nerve endings.
Synonyms
connection, junction, link
Examples of usage
- The immune synapse is crucial for T-cell activation.
- Chemical signaling at the muscle synapse enables movement.
- Synapse formation is essential for tissue regeneration.
Translations
Translations of the word "synapse" in other languages:
๐ต๐น sinapse
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคฟเคจเฅเคชเฅเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Synapse
๐ฎ๐ฉ sinaps
๐บ๐ฆ ัะธะฝะฐะฟั
๐ต๐ฑ synaps
๐ฏ๐ต ใทใใใน
๐ซ๐ท synapse
๐ช๐ธ sinapsis
๐น๐ท sinaps
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ ์ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุดุงุจู ุนุตุจู
๐จ๐ฟ synapse
๐ธ๐ฐ synapsa
๐จ๐ณ ็ช่งฆ
๐ธ๐ฎ sinapsa
๐ฎ๐ธ sรญnapsi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธะฝะฐะฟั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแแแคแกแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sinaps
๐ฒ๐ฝ sinapsis
Etymology
The term 'synapse' was coined in the late 19th century, derived from the Greek word 'synapsis', which means 'connection' or 'junction.' The prefix 'syn-' means 'together' and 'haptein' means 'to fasten'. This term was introduced into the scientific community by the British physiologist Charles Sherrington in 1897, as he recognized the importance of these connections in the functioning of the nervous system. Sherrington's work on reflexes and neural pathways laid the foundation for our understanding of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Over the years, the study of synapses has evolved, leading to significant advancements in neuroscience, particularly in understanding how synaptic connections enable learning, memory, and the overall function of the brain.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,946, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 21943 fealty
- 21944 relocating
- 21945 oscillate
- 21946 synapse
- 21947 subnormal
- 21948 transect
- 21949 reactivation
- ...