What is a key function of dendrites?

What is a key function of dendrites?

• A. To create action potentials
• B. To carry electrical impulses toward the cell body
• C. To release neurotransmitters
• D. To insulate the axon

Answer: (B)

A key function of dendrites is to carry electrical impulses toward the cell body. Dendrites are specialized extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and convey these signals to the neuron's cell body for processing. This role is crucial for the communication within the nervous system, as dendrites play a primary role in the integration of synaptic inputs, determining whether a neuron will generate an action potential based on the cumulative input they receive. The other options, such as creating action potentials and releasing neurotransmitters, pertain to different parts of the neuron or different types of cellular functions. For instance, action potentials are typically generated at the axon hillock, following sufficient stimulation from these incoming signals. The release of neurotransmitters occurs at the axon terminals following the propagation of an action potential, and the insulation of the axon is primarily the function of myelin sheaths, rather than dendrites.

A key function of dendrites is to carry electrical impulses toward the cell body. Dendrites are specialized extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and convey these signals to the neuron's cell body for processing. This role is crucial for the communication within the nervous system, as dendrites play a primary role in the integration of synaptic inputs, determining whether a neuron will generate an action potential based on the cumulative input they receive.

The other options, such as creating action potentials and releasing neurotransmitters, pertain to different parts of the neuron or different types of cellular functions. For instance, action potentials are typically generated at the axon hillock, following sufficient stimulation from these incoming signals. The release of neurotransmitters occurs at the axon terminals following the propagation of an action potential, and the insulation of the axon is primarily the function of myelin sheaths, rather than dendrites.