Final answer:
In layer 2, the first synapses are between the axons of one neuron and the dendrites of another. Neurotransmitters released at axon terminals cross the synaptic cleft and bind to dendrites, allowing impulses to be transmitted to the next neuron.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first synapses in layer 2 are typically between the axon terminals of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron. When a nerve impulse reaches the end of the axon, the axon releases neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to the membrane of the dendrite in the next neuron, allowing the nerve impulse to continue its transmission.
A synapse is defined as the gap or junction between neurons where information is transmitted from one neuron to another. This process is crucial for neural communication and occurs at the synaptic cleft, which separates the presynaptic neuron's axon terminal and the postsynaptic neuron's dendrites. It's important to note that these designations are relative as most neurons function as both presynaptic and postsynaptic in different synaptic connections.