In a typical neuron, what is the primary function of dendrites?

• A. Release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft to stimulate the next cell
• B. Receive incoming signals from other neurons or sensory receptors and conduct them toward the cell body
• C. Conduct action potentials away from the cell body to synaptic terminals
• D. Generate myelin to increase the speed of action potential conduction

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of a typical neuron, which includes dendrites, the cell body (soma), the axon, and synaptic terminals.
2. Step 2: Recognize that dendrites are branched extensions from the neuron’s cell body designed to receive signals.
3. Step 3: Know that dendrites receive incoming chemical signals (neurotransmitters) from other neurons or sensory receptors and convert these signals into electrical impulses.
4. Step 4: Understand that these electrical impulses are then conducted toward the cell body for processing, not away from it.
5. Step 5: Differentiate dendrites from other parts of the neuron: axons conduct impulses away from the cell body, synaptic terminals release neurotransmitters, and myelin is produced by glial cells, not dendrites.