How does an impulse typically travel from one neuron to another?

An impulse typically travels from one neuron to another via a neurotransmitter across a synapse. Neurons communicate at junctions known as synapses, where the end of one neuron's axon meets the dendrites or cell body of another neuron. When an electrical impulse, or action potential, reaches the end of the axon, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters stored in vesicles. These chemical messengers cross the synaptic cleft (the small gap between neurons) and bind to specific receptors on the surface of the receiving neuron's membrane.

This binding leads to the generation of a new electrical impulse in the receiving neuron, propagating the signal. This process is fundamental to the functioning of the nervous system, enabling rapid and precise communication between neurons. The ability to transmit impulses via neurotransmitters allows the nervous system to efficiently process and respond to various stimuli, thus playing a crucial role in everything from muscle movement to complex cognitive functions.