What is the chemical released at the synapse to transmit information between neurons?

The chemical that is released at the synapse to transmit information between neurons is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are specialized molecules that play a crucial role in facilitating communication within the nervous system. When an electrical impulse, or action potential, reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft, the space between two neurons. These neurotransmitters then bind to specific receptors on the adjacent neuron's membrane, leading to changes in the electrical state of that neuron, thus propagating the nerve signal.

Hormones, while also involved in communication within the body, are typically released into the bloodstream and have broader, longer-lasting effects, distinguishing them from the more immediate and localized action of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate biochemical reactions, and while they can exist in the nervous system, they do not serve the function of transmitting signals between neurons. A pathway generally refers to a series of actions or processes, not a specific chemical involved in synaptic transmission. Thus, the role of neurotransmitters is unique and vital for effective neuronal communication.