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

Study for the NCSF Functional Anatomy Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam today!

The axon is the part of the neuron specifically designed to transmit impulses away from the cell body. It serves as a long, slender projection that conducts electrical impulses, known as action potentials, away to other neurons, muscles, or glands. This function is essential for communication within the nervous system, as the axon facilitates the transfer of information over long distances compared to the other components of the neuron.

In contrast, dendrites are responsible for receiving signals from other neurons and conveying that information toward the cell body. The synapse is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitter release and reception occur, playing a critical role in neuronal communication but not in impulse transmission away from the cell body. The soma, or cell body, contains the nucleus and other organelles but does not participate directly in transmitting impulses; rather, it integrates signals received from dendrites.

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