What connects the axon of one nerve cell to the dendrite of another?

The correct answer identifies neurotransmitters as the chemical messengers that play a crucial role in linking the axon of one nerve cell to the dendrite of another. When an electrical impulse, or action potential, travels down the axon of a neuron, it ultimately reaches the axon terminal. This triggers the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles into the synaptic cleft—the small gap between the adjacent neurons.

These neurotransmitters then bind to specific receptors on the dendrites of the neighboring neuron, facilitating the transmission of the signal. This process is essential for communication within the nervous system and underlies various functions, including reflexes, mood regulation, and muscle contractions. Understanding this mechanism highlights the significance of neurotransmitters in neural signaling and their vital role in maintaining neural connectivity.