Synaptic Delay

Synaptic delay is the time interval between the arrival of a nerve impulse at the synaptic terminal (presynaptically) and the onset of the postsynaptic response. This period of time can be very short, but can also reach several milliseconds.

Synaptic delay is caused by two factors: the low rate of diffusion of the neurotransmitter along the synapse and the low speed of impulse transmission along the nerve. Neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and glutamate must reach the synapse to cause a postsynaptic response. However, the diffusion rate of these molecules is very low, so they may be delayed on their way to synapses. In addition, nerve impulses travel through a nerve fiber at a speed of about 120 meters per second, which is significantly faster than the diffusion rate of neurotransmitters.

Due to synaptic delay, neurons may process information with some delay. This can be especially important in situations where rapid responses to external stimuli are required. For example, people with delays in responding to visual stimuli may have trouble driving or operating machinery.

However, synaptic delay can also be useful in some situations. For example, it can help neurons process information more accurately and efficiently by allowing them to process information in a time-sensitive manner.

Overall, synaptic delay is an important factor in the functioning of the nervous system and can have both positive and negative consequences.

Synaptic delay is the time interval between an excitatory nerve impulse that arrives at the end of the axon of another nerve cell - the presynaptic ending - and the moment a new signal appears at the neural end of another axon - the postsynaptic ending.

Synaptic delay is also called latency (lat. lapsus - failure, failure) of the synapse.

Thanks to this property, nerves gain an additional opportunity for transmitting signals - the delay time does not depend on the voltage and speed of the current, but depends only on the concentration and diffusion rate of the chemical substance (transmitter) to the postsynapsed ending and back to the synapse. The minimum possible speed of movement of chemicals through biochemical substances (membranes) or electrochemical channels may be less than the speed and tempo of the electrical impulse capable of creating this impulse. Therefore, synapses can process much more information than a single nerve cell. In addition, in the theory of synapses there is a concept of the optimal value and maximum permissible delay in the transmission of a nerve impulse. The optimal delay occurs when it is equal to