Which part of the neuron conducts impulses away from the cell body?

Explore the Basic Structure of the Human Body. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your assessment!

The axon is the part of the neuron responsible for conducting impulses away from the cell body. It serves as a long, slender projection that transmits electrical impulses, known as action potentials, toward other neurons, muscles, or glands. This function is crucial for communication within the nervous system, as it allows for the propagation of signals over distance. The structure of the axon, often surrounded by a myelin sheath, facilitates faster transmission of impulses due to the process of saltatory conduction. This means that the electrical signal jumps between the nodes of Ranvier, significantly increasing the speed of transmission.

In contrast, dendrites are responsible for receiving signals from other neurons and directing them toward the cell body, while synapses are the junctions between neurons where communication occurs. The cell body, also known as the soma, contains the nucleus and is responsible for maintaining the life of the neuron but does not transmit impulses away.

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