What is the main role of the axon terminals?

The main role of the axon terminals is to transmit impulses to adjacent neurons or muscles. These terminals are specialized structures located at the end of an axon that release neurotransmitters when an electrical impulse, or action potential, reaches them. This release of neurotransmitters allows for communication between neurons or between a neuron and a muscle, facilitating essential functions in the nervous system.

The axon terminals effectively serve as the points of communication in the neural circuitry, making them crucial for both transmitting signals across synapses and activating muscles for movement. This transmission process is fundamental for proper functioning of reflexes, motor control, and various neural communication pathways throughout the body.