The Distance Between an Axon Terminal and the Receiving Cell

Question

The distance between an axon terminal and the receiving cell must be very small because
A)the plasma membranes of the two cells must be almost touching for action potentials to pass from one to the other.
B)neurons use the diffusion of neurotransmitters to transmit stimuli between cells and diffusion is only rapid over short distances.
C)the short distance creates a large surface area so that the receiving cell can receive a large number of neurotransmitters at once, ensuring rapid signal transmission.
D)the short distance allows sodium to be exchanged between the two cells, ensuring that the receiving cell has enough sodium to create an action potential.

Accepted Answer

Neurons transmit stimuli between cells using neurotransmitters, which diffuse from the axon terminal to the receiving cell. Diffusion is only rapid over short distances, so the distance between the axon terminal and the receiving cell must be very small. Therefore, choice B is the best answer.