Where are neurotransmitters released from?

Neurotransmitters are biologically active molecules that play a crucial role in transmitting signals between nerve cells (neurons). They are released from the axon terminals, which are the endpoints of the axon. When an electrical signal, or action potential, reaches an axon terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters stored in synaptic vesicles. These neurotransmitters then cross the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the neighboring neuron's dendrites or cell body, leading to the continuation of the signal.

This release mechanism is essential for proper communication within the nervous system, allowing for various processes such as reflexes, sensory information processing, and the execution of motor functions. In this context, the axon terminals serve as the specific sites where neurotransmitters are actively released into the synaptic cleft, thus facilitating intercellular signaling in the nervous system.