Final answer:
Neisseria meningitidis is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of respiratory droplets containing the bacteria, which are expelled by an infected individual.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neisseria meningitidis is typically transmitted through droplet transmission. This means that the bacteria are spread from person to person through the inhalation of respiratory droplets expelled by an infected individual. Activities such as coughing, sneezing, or even talking can release these droplets into the air, which can then be inhaled by another person, leading to possible infection. The bacteria have a high affinity for the mucosal membranes found in the oropharynx and nasopharynx, from where they can enter the bloodstream and disseminate throughout the body, potentially reaching the meninges.