Merge[]
Based on two Borg related references, it would appear that synaptic and neural pathways are one in the same.
Seven initially explained the general overview of an assimilation in "Drone", which established that once assimilated, "Their [new drones] neural pathways are restructured and linked to a single collective mind, the Hive."
She later stated in "Collective" that, upon her assimilation, "the Hive mind began to restructure my synaptic pathways, purge my individuality."