WormBase Tree Display for GO_term: GO:0045202

GO:0045202 Name: synapse
  Definition: The junction between an axon of one neuron and a dendrite of another neuron, a muscle fiber or a glial cell. As the axon approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic terminal bouton, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the terminal bouton is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic terminal bouton secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.
  Synonym: Exact: synaptic junction
    Narrow: mixed synapse
    Related: electrotonic synapse
  Status: Valid
  Type: Cellular_component
  Child: Instance (16)
    Component: GO:0097060
      GO:0098793
      GO:0098794
  Parent: Instance_of: GO:0030054
  Attributes_of: Motif: INTERPRO:IPR001237
      INTERPRO:IPR008899
      INTERPRO:IPR018293
    Index: Ancestor: GO:0005575
        GO:0030054
        GO:0110165
      Descendant (142)
    Expr_pattern (98)
    Picture (31)
    GO_annotation (391)
  Version: Gene Ontology releases/2023-11-15