Role of Neurotransmitters at Synapses (Edexcel IGCSE Biology): Revision Note

The Role of Neurotransmitters

• Neurones are not directly connected to each other

• The tiny gap between two neurones is called a synapse

• When an electrical impulse reaches the end of one neurone, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers)

• These neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and bind to the next neurone, causing a new electrical impulse to be generated

• This process allows the impulse to pass from one neurone to the next

Synapses are tiny gaps between neurones