Why doesn't the neuron transmit an impulse?

Question

Imagine a neuron that has several hundred axonal knobs impinging on it. The majority of these axonal knobs are shown to be “firing.” However, the neuron in question does not transmit an impulse. Give a valid explanation of why this could occur.

Answer 1

There is a question in your question, what do you mean impulse. That the next neuron doesn't receive the transmitters, that the neuron doesn't continue the message, or there is no perceivable electrical impulse. If the next neuron over isn't receiving the neurotransmitter then it could be becaus of an injury or because another transmitter is preventing the signal from being received (this occurs in order to stop a reflex action like not trying to catch a falling knife or not jerking your hand away from a splash of hot coffee while holding a cup full of the hot coffee).
The neuron may not pass on the signal because it is injured etc or because it is receiving another signal that prevents it from passing the signal along.
There is not a register of an electrical impulse on a voltmeter or something similar with some chemical transmitters.
I have no idea if this helps at all, good luck.