What part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?
A. Axon
B. Dendrite
C. Myelin sheath
D. Synapse
Answer (1)
The answer is B. Dendrite A neuron, or nerve cell, is the functional unit of the nervous system. It is specially designed to transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body. Each neuron has three main parts:Dendrites – branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.Cell body (soma) – contains the nucleus and processes incoming signalsAxon – a long fiber that sends signals away from the neuron to other cells.Dendrites are essential because they act as the input zone for the neuron. They receive neurotransmitter messages from other neurons across the synapse, a small gap between neurons. These signals are converted into electrical impulses and passed to the cell body.A single neuron can have hundreds or thousands of dendrites, enabling it to receive input from many other neurons at once. The strength and combination of these incoming signals determine whether the neuron will generate an outgoing impulse.To distinguish:The axon transmits signals away from the neuron.The myelin sheath covers the axon and increases signal speed but does not receive signals.The synapse is the gap between neurons, not a structural part of one neuron.Dysfunction in dendrites can lead to neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease or autism, where communication between neurons is impaired.For high school students, understanding dendrites offers insight into how thoughts, sensations, and actions begin and travel through the nervous system. It also connects anatomy to real-life experiences like memory, reflexes, and learning.
