The diagram given below shows the internal structure of a spinal cord depicting a phenomenon. Study the diagram and answer the questions: The diagram given below shows the internal structure of a spinal cord depicting a phenomenon. Study the diagram and answer the questions:
Give the technical term for the point of contact between the two nerve cells.
Topic: Synapse
Answer
SYNAPSE.
The neurons do not actually TOUCH — they are separated by a minute gap called the synaptic cleft.
HOW THE IMPULSE CROSSES: it travels ELECTRICALLY along a neuron but cannot jump the gap. At the synapse it is converted into a CHEMICAL signal carried by the neurotransmitter ACETYLCHOLINE, and turned back into an electrical impulse in the next neuron.
WHY THIS MATTERS: because transmission across the gap works in ONE DIRECTION only, the synapse ensures impulses travel one way through the nervous system. If neurons were joined directly, impulses could run backwards and the system would be chaotic.