The small gap between brain cells, specifically neurons, is called the synapse. More precisely, the tiny space between two neurons where they communicate is known as the synaptic cleft. This gap measures approximately 20 to 40 nanometers wide. It is crucial for neurotransmission, the process by which neurons pass chemical signals to each other. There are different types of synapses, including chemical synapses, where neurotransmitters are released into this gap to transmit signals, and electrical synapses (or gap junctions) which have even smaller gaps, about 1 to 4 nanometers, allowing electrical impulses to pass directly between cells. To put the size in perspective, the thickness of a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers, so this gap is incredibly small. In summary:
- The gap is called the synaptic cleft.
- Chemical synapse gap: ~20-40 nanometers wide.
- Electrical synapse (gap junction) gap: ~1-4 nanometers wide.
- This space is where neurons communicate chemically or electrically to transmit signals in the brain.
