What is the term for the space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are exchanged?

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Study for the University of Central Florida EXP3604 Cognitive Psychology Final Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Ace your exam!

The term that refers to the space between two neurons where neurotransmitters are exchanged is the synapse. A synapse functions as a critical site for communication between neurons, allowing one neuron to send signals to another through the release of neurotransmitters. When an electrical impulse reaches the end of an axon, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft, the small gap that separates the transmitting neuron from the receiving neuron. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the surface of the receiving neuron, facilitating the continuation of the signal.

Understanding the significance of the synapse is important in the broader context of neuropsychology, as it plays a vital role in how information is processed in the nervous system and how various neurological and psychological conditions may arise when neurotransmission is disrupted. Other terms such as dendrites, axons, and neuron networks refer to different parts of the neuron structure or organizational patterns of neurons rather than to the specific site of neurotransmitter exchange.