Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting impulses away from the cell body?

Which part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting impulses away from the cell body?

• A. Dendrite
• B. Axon
• C. Soma
• D. Terminal Button

Answer: (B)

The ability to send signals away from the cell body is a function of the axon. Dendrites mainly receive incoming signals, and the soma integrates those inputs. The axon then conducts the electrical impulse—an action potential—down its length toward the synaptic terminals. At the terminal buttons, the signal is converted into chemical signals to communicate with the next neuron. So, while the terminal buttons are involved in output at the synapse, the actual transmission away from the cell body along the neuron happens via the axon.

The ability to send signals away from the cell body is a function of the axon. Dendrites mainly receive incoming signals, and the soma integrates those inputs. The axon then conducts the electrical impulse—an action potential—down its length toward the synaptic terminals. At the terminal buttons, the signal is converted into chemical signals to communicate with the next neuron. So, while the terminal buttons are involved in output at the synapse, the actual transmission away from the cell body along the neuron happens via the axon.