Final answer:
Neurotransmitters transmit signals between neurons at the synapse and their release is regulated by voltage-gated calcium channels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurotransmitters have a crucial role in transmitting signals between neurons at the synapse. They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, resulting in a localized depolarization or hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic neuron. This allows for the transmission of information and coordination of functions within the nervous system.
The release of neurotransmitters is regulated by voltage-gated calcium channels. When the presynaptic membrane is depolarized, these channels open, allowing calcium ions to enter the cell. The increased calcium concentration triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft.