Synapse
A specialized junction at which a neural cell (neuron) communicates with a target cell. At a synapse, a neuron releases a chemical transmitter that diffuses across a small gap and activates special sites called receptors on the target cell. The target cell may be another neuron or a specialized region of a muscle or secretory cell. Neurons can also communicate through direct electrical connections (electrical synapses).
Read Also:
- Synapsis
The side-by-side and point-by-point pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
- Synaptic cleft
The tiny space between two nerve cells across which the neurotransmitter acetylcholine diffuses.
- Synaptonemal complex
SC protein-1 (SYCP1), SC protein-2 (SYCP2), and SC protein-3 (SYCP3). The SYCP1 gene is on chromosome 1p13; the SYCP2 gene is on chromosome 20q13.33; and the gene for SYCP3 is on chromosome 12q.
- Syncephaly
Conjoined twins whose heads are joined together. From syn-, together + -cephaly, head = heads together. Also called craniopagus or janiceps.
- Synchronic study
A study that is done at a single point in time rather than over the course of a period of time (longitudinally).