Where do neurons release neurotransmitters to influence the next neuron?

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

Answer: (B)

Neurotransmitters are released at the chemical synapse, from the presynaptic terminal of the sending neuron into the synaptic cleft. When an action potential reaches the terminal, calcium channels open and vesicles fuse with the membrane to release neurotransmitters. These chemicals cross the tiny gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the next neuron, typically on its dendrites or soma, altering the postsynaptic neuron's likelihood of firing. The other structures aren’t the release site themselves—the axon transmits the signal to the terminal, while dendrites and the soma are where signals are received and integrated.