What is the term for the junction between two neurons through which information is transmitted?

The term that describes the junction between two neurons through which information is transmitted is called a synapse. This junction is crucial for communication in the nervous system. At a synapse, the sending neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which is the small gap between the two neurons. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, allowing the signal to continue its journey. This process is essential for various functions, including reflexes, muscle movement, and cognitive processing.

Dendrites, while important, are the branches of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons rather than being the junction where communication occurs. The axon is the long, thread-like part of the neuron that transmits signals away from the neuron's cell body but does not serve as the junction itself. Myelin refers to the protective insulating layer around axons that increases the speed of signal transmission but is not involved in the transmission of information between two neurons. Thus, the definition and function of a synapse distinctly highlight its role as the critical point of communication between neurons.