Here's a breakdown of how it works:
* Neurons: These are the fundamental units of the nervous system. They are specialized cells that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
* Synapse: This is the tiny gap between the axon terminal of one neuron (the presynaptic neuron) and the dendrite or cell body of another neuron (the postsynaptic neuron).
* Communication: When a nerve impulse reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, influencing its activity.
So, the synapse is the crucial point where information is passed from one neuron to the next, allowing for communication within the nervous system.
