The synapse: people, words and connections

E M Tansey

doi:10.1042/NS20220017

The synapse: people, words and connections

Neuronal Signal. 2022 Jun 8;6(2):NS20220017. doi: 10.1042/NS20220017. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Author

E M Tansey¹

Affiliation

¹ William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London, QMUL U.K. and Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, UCL, U.K.

Abstract

This paper provides a review of some of the major historical developments in synaptic research and neurotransmission since the first appearance of the word 'synapsis' in 1895. The key contributions and inter-relationships of several significant scientists and Nobel Laureates, including Charles Sherrington, Henry Dale, Edgar Adrian and John Eccles are highlighted, and the influence of others such as John Langley and Thomas Elliott is stressed. A recurrent theme is the importance of language and the creation of new words.

Keywords: Dale,Henry; Sherrington,Charles; history of neuroscience; neurotransmission; synapse.

Publication types

Editorial