What is a Synapse?
The synapse is a junction between two neurons that helps in nerve impulse transmission. The presynaptic neuron, synaptic cleft, and post-synaptic neuron collectively form a chemical synapse. Synapse is of two types- chemical synapse and electrical synapse.
- Chemical synapse – In the Chemical synapse, two neurons are not in direct contact, and thus for transmission, chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters are needed. This type of transmission is slow.
- Electrical synapse- In the Electrical synapse, two neurons are in direct contact with the help of gap junctions, and thus ions flow directly between neurons. Transmission is quick in this type of synapse.
Difference Between Presynaptic Neuron and Postsynaptic Neuron
Difference Between Presynaptic Neurons and Postsynaptic Neurons: Presynaptic Neurons and Postsynaptic Neurons are two neurons that are involved in forming chemical synapses for the transmission of impulses between two neurons. The major difference between a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron is that the presynaptic neuron is involved in transmitting a message to the synaptic cleft by releasing neurotransmitters while the postsynaptic neuron is involved in receiving the message from the synaptic cleft by taking up neurotransmitters from the cleft.
In this article, you will study the Difference between Presynaptic Neuron and Postsynaptic Neuron, along with their similarities.
Table of Content
- What is a Synapse?
- What is a Presynaptic Neuron?
- What is a Postsynaptic Neuron?
- Difference Between Presynaptic Neuron and Postsynaptic Neuron
- Similarities Between Presynaptic Neurons and Postsynaptic Neurons