synaptic cleft

American  

noun

Physiology.

1. the small gap, measured in nanometers, between an axon terminal and any of the cell membranes in the immediate vicinity.

---

Etymology

Origin of synaptic cleft

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The calcium entry causes synaptic vesicles to fuse with the membrane and release neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

A small space called the synaptic cleft separates the synaptic terminal from the motor end plate.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The enzyme acetylcholinesterase removes lingering acetylcholine from the synaptic cleft.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Once neurotransmission has occurred, the neurotransmitter must be removed from the synaptic cleft so the postsynaptic membrane can “reset” and be ready to receive another signal.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The ACh molecules diffuse across a minute space called the synaptic cleft and bind to ACh receptors located within the motor end-plate of the sarcolemma on the other side of the synapse.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013