The junction between two neurons is called a synapse. A synapse is a specialized structure that allows a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to a target effector cell, such as a muscle or gland cell. This junction can be either chemical, where neurotransmitters are released and received, or electrical, where ions flow directly through gap junctions between neurons for faster communication. The term "synapse" was first introduced by Sir Charles Sherrington in 1897 and is essential in the functioning of the nervous system for transmitting nerve impulses.