What structure in a neuron is responsible for receiving signals from other cells?

The structure in a neuron responsible for receiving signals from other cells is the dendrites. Dendrites are branched extensions that emerge from the neuron’s cell body and are specifically designed to receive chemical signals from the axon terminals of other neurons or sensory receptors. When these chemical signals bind to receptors on the dendrites, they generate electrical impulses that can lead to the activation of the neuron. This makes dendrites crucial to the communication process within the nervous system, as they play a key role in integrating synaptic inputs and facilitating neuronal signaling.

In contrast, the axon is primarily responsible for transmitting signals away from the neuron; the nerve cell body, which contains the nucleus and organelles, is essential for maintaining the cell’s functions but does not participate directly in receiving signals; the soma is simply another term for the nerve cell body. Understanding the function of dendrites helps clarify how neurons interact and process information in response to stimuli.