What term describes the electrical charge that travels along a neuron's axon leading to neurotransmitter release?

The term that describes the electrical charge traveling along a neuron's axon leading to neurotransmitter release is action potential. An action potential is a rapid and temporary change in the electrical membrane potential of a neuron, which occurs when a neuron sends information down its axon.

When a neuron is stimulated past a certain threshold, ion channels open, allowing positively charged sodium ions to flow into the cell, which results in depolarization. This electrical impulse travels along the axon and, upon reaching the axon terminals, triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, enabling communication between neurons.

Understanding the action potential is crucial as it not only facilitates the transmission of signals within the nervous system but also lays the groundwork for subsequent processes such as synaptic transmission and neurotransmission.