Neurons communicate with each other through the use of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are molecules used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons or from neurons to muscles. The communication occurs at the synapse, where electrical signals traveling along the axon of a neuron are converted into chemical signals by the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters then bind to specific receptors on the receiving neuron, causing a response which can be excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory, depending on the type of neurotransmitter and receptor involved.