What does the term "neurotransmitter" refer to?

The term "neurotransmitter" specifically refers to chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells, or neurons, in the nervous system. When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, the gap between neurons. These chemical substances then bind to specific receptors on the receiving neuron, facilitating the continuation of the nerve signal or modulating the activity, which is essential for numerous functions such as muscle contraction, mood regulation, and memory. This precise role of neurotransmitters as carriers of signals distinguishes them from hormones, electrical impulses, and structural proteins.