What is the term for the junction between two neurons?

The junction between two neurons is referred to as a synapse. In this context, a synapse is a specialized site where communication occurs between neurons. At the synapse, the signaling neuron (presynaptic 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 (postsynaptic neuron), facilitating the transmission of the signal.

Understanding the role of the synapse is crucial, as it plays a vital role in neural communication, influencing various functions such as memory, learning, and reaction to stimuli. Grasping this concept is fundamental to the study of neurobiology and the functioning of the nervous system.

In contrast, the other options refer to different structures involved in neuronal function. The node of Ranvier is a gap in the myelin sheath of axons that facilitates rapid signal conduction. Dendrites are extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons. The axon terminal is the endpoint of an axon where neurotransmitters are released, but it is not the junction where two neurons meet. Thus, the term that specifically describes the connection point for communication between two neurons is the synapse.