Axon terminals are really interesting! They are very important for how brain cells, called neurons, talk to each other. Let’s break down how they work:

• Synaptic Vesicles: Inside axon terminals, there are tiny bags known as synaptic vesicles. These bags are filled with special chemicals called neurotransmitters. When a signal called an action potential reaches the axon terminal, these bags join up with the outer wall and release their contents.

• Neurotransmitter Release: When the neurotransmitters are released, they travel across the gap between neurons, called the synapse. They attach to special spots on the next neuron, called receptors. Depending on the type of neurotransmitter, they can either make the next neuron more active or calm it down.

• Reuptake and Recycling: After the signal is sent, the neurotransmitters are usually taken back into the axon terminal or broken down. This helps make sure that the message doesn’t last too long and stays clear.

This whole process helps our nervous system work really well!