Final answer:
Electrical synapses, also known as gap junctions, are protein channels that connect two neurons at an electrical synapse, allowing ions to flow directly through them. These synapses enable the rapid propagation of electrical signals between neurons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electrical synapses are connections between two neurons, or any two electrically active cells, where ions flow directly through channels spanning their adjacent cell membranes. These channels are known as gap junctions and are made up of protein channels that allow for the direct passage of ions. These protein channels create a direct connection between the cytoplasm of two cells, enabling the electrical signal to rapidly propagate from one neuron to another. Electrical synapses are less common than chemical synapses, but they play important roles in synchronized activities, such as the coordination of heart muscle contractions.