What is the role of the axon terminal?

• A. Contains myelin
• B. Stores neurotransmitters
• C. Where it communicates with the next cell
• D. Lines the ventricles

Answer: (C)

The axon terminal is the final segment of a neuron’s axon where communication with the next cell happens. When an action potential arrives, calcium ions enter the terminal and trigger synaptic vesicles to fuse with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These chemicals cross the gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell, producing a response that continues or modulates the signal. The terminal does store neurotransmitters in vesicles, but the crucial role is delivering the chemical message to the next cell at the synapse. Myelin is located along the axon to speed conduction, and ventricles are lined by ependymal cells, not by the axon terminal.