Synapse

Classification, Functions and Properties Diagram space

Basic chemical synapse

G.K. Pal Fig. 116.2 / Khurana Fig. 10.7-3
Dr Subodh Pandey

P rofes s or & He ad,

P hy s iol ogy , GM C , Bhopal
 Learning Objectives
Competency: PY10.4 - Discuss the classification, functions and properties of synapse

• Define synapse
• Classify synapses
• Draw chemical synapse
• Explain synaptic transmission
• Differentiate EPSP and IPSP
• List properties of synapse
• Explain basic synaptic inhibition

Synapse · First MBBS Physiology 1

Outline

A Classification

B Steps in Chemical Transmission

C Synaptic Inhibition

D Synaptic Properties

E Functions of Synapse

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 Definition of Synapse
Synapse

• A synapse is a specialized functional junction where a neuron transmits a signal to another neuron or to
an effector cell (muscle or gland).

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 A. Classification of Synapses — Overview

S.N
Basis Types
o.

1. Anatomical Classification Axodendritic, axosomatic, axoaxonic

2. Physiological Classification Chemical, electrical, conjoint

Classification by Number of
3. One-to-one, many-to-one, one-to-many
Neurons

4. Functional Classification Excitatory, inhibitory

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 1. Anatomical Classification
Type Connection Key features

Axon → Commonest type in CNS

Axodendritic
dendrite Usually excitatory

Close to axon hillock

Axosomatic Axon → soma
Often inhibitory

Controls transmitter release

Axoaxonic Axon → axon
Presynaptic inhibition

Dendrite → Reciprocal (two-way) contact

Dendrodendritic
dendrite Local signal processing

Most common in CNS

Axodendritic synapse

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2. Physiological Classification

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 Chemical vs Electrical Synapse

Feature Chemical Electrical

Medium Neurotransmitter Gap junction

Direction One-way Usually two-way

Speed Slower Faster

Delay Present Minimal

Plasticity More Less

Common in CNS Yes Less common

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 3. Classification by Number of Neurons

Type Meaning Example

One-to-one One neuron to one neuron NMJ-like arrangement

Many-to-one Many neurons to one neuron Common in CNS

One-to-many One neuron to many neurons Divergence

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4. Functional Classification

Type Effect

Excitatory synapse Produces EPSP

Inhibitory synapse Produces IPSP

Modulatory synapse Alters response pattern

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B. Chemical Synaptic Transmission

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1. Presynaptic Terminal

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2. Steps of Chemical Synaptic Transmission

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 3. Vesicle Docking and Fusion
Important steps:
1. Vesicle docking : Vesicle attaches to the active zone, close to Ca²⁺ channels.
2. Vesicle priming: Vesicle is made ready (ATP-dependent) so it can fuse instantly
when Ca²⁺ enters.
3. Fusion with membrane: — transmitter is released in two ways:
i. Full fusion (classical): vesicle fully merges and releases all transmitter.
ii. Kiss-and-run: vesicle opens briefly, releases some, then reseals and is reused.
→ Full fusion is the main route; kiss-and-run allows faster reuse.
4. Exocytosis
5. Vesicle recycling: Clathrin-mediated endocytosis retrieves the membrane
afterwards to form a fresh vesicle.

Important proteins:
• SNARE proteins — help in attachment of the vesicle to the membrane.
• Two types:
• v-SNARE — synaptobrevin , present on the vesicle.
• t-SNARE — syntaxin and SNAP-25, present on the presynaptic membrane.
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Clinical Correlation — Toxins at Synapse

Toxin Target SNARE protein Action & effect

Blocks ACh release at NMJ → flaccid

Botulinum toxin SNAP-25 (± other SNAREs)
paralysis

Blocks GABA / glycine release from

Tetanus toxin Synaptobrevin
inhibitory neurons → spastic paralysis

Both are zinc-dependent proteases that cleave SNARE proteins. The paralysis differs because of
which neuron is hit — botulinum at the NMJ, tetanus at spinal inhibitory neurons.

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4. Postsynaptic Events

Neurotransmitter binds receptor

Ion channel opens / second messenger activates

Membrane potential changes

Synaptic potential appears

Synaptic potential may be:

EPSP IPSP

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5. Graded Potentials

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Termination of Neurotransmitter Action
Action must stop after signalling — by three routes:

Why it matters:
Method Example
• Prevents continuous stimulation
Reuptake into terminal NE, serotonin
• Allows repeated signalling
Uptake by glia Glutamate
• Maintains precision
Enzymatic breakdown ACh • Prevents toxicity
Diffusion NO, CO

Neurotransmitters & Neuromodulators 19

C. Synaptic Inhibition — Overview

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 Other Types of Synaptic Inhibition

Inhibition Circuit idea Example Function / importance

Neuron → inhibitory Self-brake mechanism; prevents

Feedback / Recurrent Renshaw cell in spinal cord
interneuron → inhibits same uncontrolled motor neuron firing
inhibition inhibits α-motor neuron
neuron and excessive muscle contraction

Input excites target + inhibitory Basket cell inhibits Purkinje Makes neuronal response brief,
Feed-forward inhibition
interneuron together cell in cerebellum timed, and precise

Allows smooth movement by

Agonist excited, antagonist Stretch reflex: quadriceps
Reciprocal inhibition preventing opposing muscle
inhibited contracts, hamstring relaxes
resistance

Strong pathway inhibits nearby Retina, somatosensory Sharpens contrast, localization, and
Lateral inhibition
weak pathways pathway discrimination

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
D
Properties of Synapse — Overview

1. One-way conduction — presynaptic → postsynaptic only

2. Synaptic delay — ≈ 0.5 ms per synapse
3. Summation — temporal + spatial
4. Convergence & divergence — many→one ; one→many
5. Occlusion — combined response less than expected
6. Subliminal fringe — combined response greater than expected
7. Facilitation — each stimulus gives a larger response
8. Synaptic fatigue (habituation) — response fades on repeated firing
9. Synaptic plasticity & learning — synaptic strength can change
10. Reverberation — impulse loops back; self re-excitation
11. Reciprocal inhibition — excites agonist, inhibits antagonist
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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
1
One-way conduction
Law of dynamic polarity (Bell–Magendie law)

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
2
Synaptic delay
≈ 0.5 ms (almost always < 1 ms)
• Time lag between the AP at the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic response.

Mechanism
Neurotransmitter released

Diffusion across the synaptic cleft

Binds postsynaptic receptors

Ion channels open

EPSP / IPSP develops (≈ 0.5 ms)

Delays add up across a reflex arc: the monosynaptic knee jerk is fast; polysynaptic withdrawal is slower.

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
3
Summation
Temporal and spatial summation of EPSP / IPSP

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
4
Convergence & divergence

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D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
5
Occlusion
Combined response less than the sum

• Two inputs share some postsynaptic neurons (overlapping afferents centrally).

 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
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Subliminal fringe
Combined response greater than the sum (opposite of occlusion)

• Fringe neurons are excited only to subthreshold level by a single input.

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
7/8
Facilitation & Fatigue (Habituation)

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
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Synaptic plasticity & learning

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
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Reverberation
Self re-exciting circuit; limited by fatigue
• An axon branch synapses back on its own dendron, re-exciting the neuron.

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 D · PR OP ER T IE S O F SY NAP SE
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Reciprocal inhibition
Excites the agonist, inhibits the antagonist

• An afferent excites one muscle group and inhibits its antagonist via an interneuron.

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E. Functions of Synapse

Impulse transmission — carries the signal from one neuron to the next.

One-way conduction — keeps signals flowing in a single direction.

Integration of inputs — sums excitatory and inhibitory signals.

Excitation & inhibition — drives neurons towards or away from firing.

Amplification & filtering — spreads strong signals, blocks weak ones.

Reflex activity — links sensory input to motor output.

Learning & memory — plastic synapses adapt with experience.

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