"Synapse" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
A synapse is a small gap between two neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and nervous system that allows them to communicate with each other by transmitting electrical and chemical signals.
Synapsids are a group of terrestrial vertebrates that have a single temporal fenestra in the skull, where the parietal and squamosal bones meet behind the eye socket. They belong to the synapsid clade, which is a subset of the larger group called diapsids (animals with two pairs of temporal fenestrae).<br><br>The term "synapsid" was first used by paleontologist Thomas Henry Huxley in 1870, derived from the Greek words "syn" (meaning "together") and "apsis" (meaning " fenestra" or "opening"), in reference to the single temporal opening in their skulls.<br><br>Synapsids are characterized by several distinct features, including:<br><br>1. A single temporal fenestra in the skull, which reduces the bone between the eye and the jaw.<br>2. A reduction in the number of openings in the skull, compared to earlier reptiles.<br>3. The presence of a millionfold more oxygen-carrying red blood cells than other vertebrates.<br>4. Forward-facing eyes with a single lens in each eye.<br><br>Synapsids evolved into various groups, such as mammals, therapsids, and cynodonts, which eventually gave rise to modern mammals.