How do neurons communicate with each other?

Neurons communicate with each other using a combination of electrical and chemical signals. 

• In response to external stimuli, neurons generate electrical signals known as action potentials. Newly generated action potentials travel down the axon, a long slender neuronal projection. 
• On reaching the end of the axon or the axon terminal, the action potential triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers. The neurotransmitters are released into tiny gaps called synapses, where the presynaptic neuron and postsynaptic neuron come within very close distance of each other to facilitate chemical transmission. The presynaptic neuron releases the neurotransmitter while the postsynaptic neuron receives it.
• The neurotransmitter binds to specialized proteins called neurotransmitter receptors on the surface of the receiving neuron's dendrite. This binding causes changes in the electrical potential of the postsynaptic or receiving neuron. This is known as a postsynaptic potential. 
• If the postsynaptic potential is excitatory, it can result in the postsynaptic neuron generating its own action potential, which travels down its axon, and repeating the process at the next synapse.