A chemical synapse facilitates neuronal communication through the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. This process represents the chemical portion of the overall electrochemical signal, where neurotransmitters travel across the synaptic space to transmit information. This method is the most common type of synapse in the brain but is slower than an electrical synapse.

Chemical Synapse

An electrical synapse is a specialized connection where two neurons are physically linked by structures called gap junctions. These junctions contain channels that permit electrical current to pass directly from the presynaptic to the postsynaptic cell. This direct physical connection allows for extremely rapid, almost instantaneous, signal transmission between neurons.

Electrical Synapses

Short-term memory is the result of strengthening the preexisting proteins in the synapses. Contrastingly, long-term memory comes from the creation of new synaptic connections. In other words, long-term memory changes the anatomy of the brain, but short-term memory does not.   

Memory's Relationship to the Synapses

Growth factors in long-term potentiation result in the creation of new synapses. This results in synaptic plasticity.

Growth Factors in Long-Term Potentiation

This is the way that neurons are able to communicate with each other. There is a small area of space between the axon and the dendrite where the information is shared. This can be done through chemical or electrical synapses.

Grinnell College

New Mexico Highlands University

- specialized cells
- synapses
- central and peripheral nervous system
- neurotransmitters
- hormones
- brain region and their specialized functions
- brain support systems

Structures of Functional Neural Anatomy

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Synapse

Brain regions tend to be involved in a variety of functions even in typically developing people. Deprivation is able to change the function of specific regions through neural plasticity. 

Brain regions and their specific functions

The central and peripheral nervous system span the entire body, with central consisting of neurons in the brain and spinal cord, and peripheral using nerves (bundles of neurons) expanding into the body.

Central and Peripheral nervous system

The main types of the neurons (nerve cells) and the glial cells, which come in various forms.
- astrocyte
- microglial cell
- oligodendrocyte
- Schwann cell

Specialized Cells

- Three protective membranes
- Cerebral ventricles 
- Vascular system

Brain support systems

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released by the pre-synaptic cell into the synapse that changes electrical activity in the post-synaptic cell.
- Considered endogenous (produced inside the body) substances 
- Binds to receptors on the post-synaptic cell and either suppresses or enhances post-synaptic cell activity.

Neurotransmitters

Hormones influence behavior, appetites, emotional levels, and aspects of aging in addition to many other behaviors and development. 


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