Which term refers to the neuron that is located downstream of a synapse?

The term that refers to the neuron located downstream of a synapse is the post-synaptic neuron. After neurotransmitters are released from the pre-synaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft, they bind to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron. This interaction is vital for the propagation of the nerve impulse. The post-synaptic neuron then responds to the signal—either by generating its own electrical signal or by facilitating other cellular responses. This dynamic is central to neural communication, and understanding it is key to grasping how information is transmitted in the nervous system.

The pre-synaptic neuron, in contrast, refers to the neuron that releases the neurotransmitters, while motor neurons and interneurons serve specific roles in the nervous system that don't directly define their position relative to a synapse. Thus, the term "post-synaptic neuron" correctly identifies the location and function of the neuron in question.