SYNAPSE

A signal travels along the finely branched extensions of the cell to the synapse as an electrical impulse. It can be passed on to the neighbouring cell there.

However, a tiny gap must be bridged. This job is taken on by molecules called neurotransmitters. Released by the electrical signal, they migrate to the neighboring cell.

The neurotransmitters dock there. This generates an electrical signal.

LERNING

does not work without synapses: exercise improves the transmission of signals and can also lead to the formation of more synapses between two cells.

JÜLICHER RESEARCHERS

are investigating the structure and function of synapses in the brain. They are also developing artificial synapses for computers modelled on the brain.