What is the junction between nerves called?

The junction between nerves is called a synapse. This is a specialized site that allows for communication between neurons. At a synapse, the transmitting neuron sends neurotransmitters across a small gap to the receiving neuron. This process enables the transfer of signals throughout the nervous system, which is essential for coordinating bodily functions and responses.

Synapses can be chemical or electrical, with the majority being chemical. At a chemical synapse, neurotransmitters are released from vesicles in the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, which can lead to the generation of a new signal within the receiving neuron.

The other terms listed refer to different concepts within the nervous system. A neuroma is a type of growth or tumor formed from nerve tissue, a neuron is the basic functional unit of the nervous system itself, and an axon is a long projection of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body. Understanding the role of synapses is fundamental in the study of how signals are conveyed throughout the nervous system.