difference between axon and synapse?
An axon is a long and thin projection from a neuron that carries electrical signals (or nerve impulses) away from the cell body and towards other neurons, muscles or glands.
A synapse is a small junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell, where they communicate with each other by exchanging chemical or electrical signals.
In other words, the axon is a part of the neuron that transmits signals over longer distances, while the synapse is a small gap or interface that facilitates communication between two adjacent neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell.
Neuroscience cheasheet in markdown table:
| **Neuroscience Key Terms** | **Definition** |
| -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Neuron | A cell in the nervous system that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals |
| Action potential | An electrical impulse that travels along a neuron's axon and allows for communication between neurons |
| Synapse | The junction between two neurons where chemical neurotransmitters are released to transmit information |
| Neurotransmitter | A chemical substance released at the synapse that transmits information from one neuron to another |
| Plasticity | The brain's ability to change in response to experiences, learning, or damage |
| Central nervous system | Consists of the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for receiving, integrating, and processing sensory information |
| Peripheral nervous system | Consists of nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for transmitting sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system |
| Glia | Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and insulation for neurons, and play roles in development, communication, and immunity |
| Cerebral cortex | The outer layer of the brain responsible for advanced cognitive functions, such as perception, decision-making, and language |
| Limbic system | A group of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, and memory |
| Dopamine | A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement |
| Serotonin | A neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite, and sleep |
| Norepinephrine | A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and stress response |
| Endorphins | Natural neurotransmitters that bind to opioid receptors and reduce pain and stress |
| **Axon** | **Synapse** |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| A long and thin projection from a neuron | A small junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell |
| Carries electrical signals away from the cell body | Facilitates communication between adjacent neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell |
| Transmits signals over longer distances | Exchanges chemical or electrical signals |
| Sends information to other neurons, muscles, or glands | Allows for neural processing and signaling to occur |
| Forms part of the neuron | Forms a gap or interface between neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell |