Synapses are vital to the function of neurons If neurons are cells that specialize in transmitting signals to individual target cells, synapses are the means by which they do so. When a nerve signal reaches the end of a neuron, it cannot simply move on to the next cell. Instead, it must trigger the release of neurotransmitters, which can then transmit the impulse through the synapse to the next neuron☝🏻 Once the nerve impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters, these chemical messengers cross the tiny synaptic cleft and are absorbed by receptors on the surface of the next cell.