How Neurons Communicate via Chemical Synapses

Neurons signal by creating an action potential—a surge of electricity created by sodium and potassium ions crossing the cell’s membrane.

It travels down the axon and stimulates receptors on dendrites of neighboring cells.

The junction between cells is called a synapse.

In many neurons, the charge is carried over a minute gap between axon and dendrite by chemicals, called neurotransmitters, released from the tip of the axon.

These junctions are known as chemical synapses.

The signal may cause the neighboring neuron to fire, or it may stop it from firing.