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Synapse Cross-Section Simulator (2D)

Interactive 2D cross-section of a chemical synapse: trigger an action potential, watch voltage-gated calcium channels open, vesicles fuse and release neurotransmitter across the cleft, and see the resulting EPSP or IPSP on a live membrane-potential trace.

Neuroscience & Biophysics2DModerate60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

This 2D cross-section shows one chemical synapse from the axon terminal down to the postsynaptic membrane. Press "Stimulate" (or turn on auto-fire) to send an action potential into the terminal: voltage-gated calcium channels open, docked vesicles fuse with the membrane, and neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft. Choose glutamate for an excitatory response or GABA for an inhibitory one, and watch the live membrane-potential trace show the resulting EPSP or IPSP as receptors bind transmitter and the potential relaxes back to rest — with vesicles released and the peak postsynaptic response tracked in the readout panel.

⚙ Under the hood

A 2D cross-section of a chemical synapse: stimulate the axon terminal to trigger calcium influx, vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release, then watch the resulting EPSP or IPSP unfold on a live membrane-potential trace.

SynapseNeurotransmitterAction PotentialEPSPIPSP

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install