Which part receives messages and conducts impulses toward the cell body?

• A. Axon
• B. Dendrite
• C. Myelin Sheath
• D. Action Potential

Answer: (B)

Dendrites are the parts of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons or sensory sources and carry those impulses toward the cell body. They are the branched, tree-like extensions that pick up neurotransmitters and generate small electrical changes called graded potentials. These inputs are then integrated in the cell body, which decides whether to fire an action potential that would travel down the axon to communicate with other neurons. In contrast, the axon transmits impulses away from the cell body, the myelin sheath speeds that transmission, and the action potential is the rapid electrical signal that travels along the axon. So, receiving messages and directing them toward the cell body is a dendrite’s role.