How are nervous impulses delivered to other cells, such as muscles or glands?

Nervous impulses are delivered to other cells, such as muscles or glands, through a process called synaptic transmission. As a nerve impulse travels down the axon of a neuron, it reaches the axon terminals. At these terminals, neurotransmitters stored in vesicles are released into the synaptic cleft, a tiny gap between the neuron and the target cell. The neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the membrane of the target cell, triggering a response. In the case of muscles, this response often involves contraction, while in glands, it may result in the secretion of specific substances. The specificity of neurotransmitter-receptor interactions ensures precise communication, allowing for highly coordinated physiological responses. This process of synaptic transmission allows the nervous system to convey information and control various functions throughout the body, facilitating both voluntary and involuntary actions.