Explain how information passes between neurons in the nervous system

Individual neurons do not physically touch but are connected by synapses. These are small gaps between neurons. Signals or information are passed over the synapse between neurons, which allows information to travel throughout the nervous system.

Signals travel along the axon of a neuron (which we will call neuron A) in the form of an electrical impulse. When they reach the nerve ending of neuron A the electrical impulse causes the release of chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals diffuse into the gap between neuron A and its neighbour, neuron B. The neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the surface of neuron B. This stimulates an electrical impulse in neuron B, allowing the signal to travel on through the nervous system.