Synapsing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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synapsing
[sɪˈnæpsɪŋ ]
Definition
neuroscience
Synapsing refers to the process of synapse formation and functioning, where neurons communicate with each other through specialized junctions known as synapses. This process is crucial for transmitting signals in the nervous system, influencing everything from reflexes to complex behaviors. Synapsing can involve the release of neurotransmitters, which cross the synaptic cleft to bind to receptors on the adjacent neuron, thereby propagating a neural signal. Understanding synapsing is fundamental in fields such as psychology and neurobiology, where the complexities of brain function are studied.
Synonyms
communicating, connecting, junctioning.
Examples of usage
- The synapsing of neurons is essential for learning.
- Disruptions in synapsing can lead to neurological disorders.
- Research on synapsing helps explain memory formation.
Translations
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Origin of 'synapsing'
The term 'synapsing' is derived from the word 'synapse,' which originates from the Greek word 'synapsis' meaning 'connection' or 'junction.' The concept of the synapse was first introduced in the late 19th century by the physiologist Sir Charles Scott Sherrington, who used the term to describe the specialized connection between neurons. As neuroscience evolved, the understanding of synapsing became more integral to the study of brain functions and neurocommunication. The suffix '-ing' in 'synapsing' indicates the action of forming or being involved in synapses. Synapsing is not only a fundamental biological process, but also a key topic in research on synaptic plasticity, which examines how synapses strengthen or weaken over time in response to increases or decreases in their activity.