# Synapse --- A **synapse** is a specialized structure that allows for chemically mediated communication between two [[neurons]], or between a neuron and an *effector* (such as a [[muscle tissue|muscle]] to initiate a [[muscle twitch|twitch]] or a [[gland]] to release a hormone). The neuronal synapse is made up of a [[neurons|axonal terminal]] of a **presynaptic neuron** which *sends* a signal; a receptive segment called a [[receptor proteins]] of a **postsynaptic neuron** which *receives* the signals; and the **synaptic cleft**, which is the little gap between the two. ![[synapse.png]] The presynaptic neuron releases [[neurotransmitter|neurotransmitters]] (such as [[acetylcholine]] or [[dopamine]]) into the synaptic cleft, where they travel quickly to the receptor molecules on the postsynaptic neuron. The neuro ![[types of synapses.png]] ## Special Synapses The special synapse called a **neuromuscular junction** is what lets a motor neuron tell a muscle fiber to [[muscle twitch|twitch]]. ___