The gap between neurons is the

The gap between neurons is the

• A. Synapse
• B. Dendrite
• C. Axon
• D. Soma

Answer: (A)

Communication between neurons occurs at the synapse, the junction where the signal is passed from one neuron to the next. The gap between the neurons—the synaptic cleft—is the space through which neurotransmitters diffuse from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron. The term synapse encompasses this gap and the components on both sides of the junction, making it the best descriptor for the site of intercellular communication. Dendrites are the input branches that receive signals, axons carry signals away from the cell body, and the soma is the neuron's cell body; none of these describe the actual space between neurons.

Communication between neurons occurs at the synapse, the junction where the signal is passed from one neuron to the next. The gap between the neurons—the synaptic cleft—is the space through which neurotransmitters diffuse from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron. The term synapse encompasses this gap and the components on both sides of the junction, making it the best descriptor for the site of intercellular communication. Dendrites are the input branches that receive signals, axons carry signals away from the cell body, and the soma is the neuron's cell body; none of these describe the actual space between neurons.