Which component transmits impulses toward the cell body?

• A. Axon
• B. Myelin Sheath
• C. Dendrite
• D. Neuron

Answer: (C)

Dendrites are the parts of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and carry those impulses toward the cell body. They pick up neurotransmitter messages at synapses and convert them into electrical changes that flow into the soma, where inputs are integrated. If enough input accumulates to reach threshold, the signal is passed along as an action potential down the axon to communicate with other neurons. The myelin sheath, while it speeds up transmission along the axon, does not carry impulses toward the cell body. The neuron is the whole nerve cell that includes dendrites, the cell body, and the axon.