Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which part of a neuron receives impulses from other neurons?

1. Dendrites

2. Axon

3. Cell body

4. Synapse

The correct answer is: Dendrites

The correct choice is that dendrites are the parts of a neuron responsible for receiving impulses from other neurons. Dendrites are tree-like structures that extend from the cell body of the neuron and are equipped with numerous receptors that bind to neurotransmitters. When another neuron fires and releases neurotransmitters, these substances travel across the synapse and attach to receptors on the dendrites, generating a signal in the receiving neuron. This process is essential for communication between neurons and for the overall functioning of the nervous system. Understanding the role of dendrites is crucial because they play a key part in the integration of signals, allowing the neuron to process incoming messages and contribute to response actions. In contrast, axons transmit impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles, while the cell body contains the nucleus and is responsible for maintaining the neuron's health and function. The synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs but does not receive impulses itself. Recognizing these functions is important for grasping the basic mechanisms of neural communication.