Functions of Synaptic Cleft

The following functions of the synaptic cleft are:

Degradation of Neurotransmitters

Synaptic cleft has different enzymes which are involved in the degradation of released neurotransmitters. They can degrade the neurotransmitters which decreases their concentration. The depletion of neurotransmitters impedes nerve impulse transmission.

Fusion of Neurotransmitters

The neurotransmitters are released by the pre-synaptic neurons. Synaptic cleft allows the neurotransmitters to pile up and diffuse to act on postjunctional neurons. It also provides the space for the neurotransmitters to diffuse through and act on post-synaptic neurons.

Drug Action

Synaptic cleft acts as a site of action for many drugs. Some are agonists or antagonists of neurotransmitters that are used in the treatment of neurologic conditions.

Regulation of Nerve Impulse Transmission

The neurotransmitters which are released into the synaptic cleft are greater than the next neuron. Synaptic cleft harbors enzymes which degrade neurotransmitters. This degradation regulates nerve impulse transmission.

Synaptic Cleft: The neurons are the functional units of the nervous system which transmit electrical impulses from one neuron to the other. The space between the two neurons across the impulse which is transmitted by a neurotransmitter is called the synaptic cleft. The synaptic cleft is also known as the synaptic gap. It is important for the cells to communicate using chemical transmission.