What is the average width of a synapse in nanometers?

Prepare for the Arizona State University BME100 Biomedical Engineering Midterm Exam. Enhance your skills with quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

The average width of a synapse, which is the junction between two neurons, is generally around 500 nanometers. This size allows for the effective transmission of signals from one neuron to another through neurotransmitters. Synapses are complex structures that play a crucial role in communication within the nervous system. The spacing coordinate allows for optimal interactions between synaptic vesicles and receptor sites on the post-synaptic neuron. Understanding this dimension is vital in biomedical engineering as it can influence the design of devices or therapies that interact with neuronal pathways.

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