What is the connection between two neurons called?

Study for the Ontario Grade 12 University Biology Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with explanations. Gear up for success!

The connection between two neurons is called a synapse. A synapse is the junction at which a neuron communicates with another neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell. When an electrical impulse reaches the synaptic terminal of the connecting neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters. These chemical messengers cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, allowing the transmission of signals within the nervous system. This connection is crucial for the functioning of neural circuits and the overall communication in the nervous system, facilitating processes such as reflexes, thoughts, and emotions.

Dendrites, while playing an essential role in receiving signals from other neurons, do not represent the connection itself. Axons are the long projections of a neuron that transmit signals away from the neuron's body, but they do not form a connection with another neuron. The neuron body, or soma, houses the cell's core components but is not involved in direct communication between neurons.

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