Which part of a neuron primarily receives incoming messages (synaptic input) from other neurons?

• A. Axon hillock
• B. Myelin sheath
• C. Axon terminals
• D. Dendrites

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic structure of a neuron, which includes dendrites, the cell body (soma), the axon hillock, the axon, the myelin sheath, and the axon terminals.
2. Recall that dendrites are branched extensions from the neuron's cell body that function to receive chemical signals (neurotransmitters) from other neurons at synapses.
3. Recognize that the axon hillock is the region where the neuron integrates incoming signals and initiates an action potential if the threshold is reached, but it does not primarily receive messages.
4. Know that the myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates the axon to speed up electrical signal transmission, not involved in receiving messages.
5. Identify that axon terminals are the endings of the axon that release neurotransmitters to communicate with other neurons, rather than receiving messages.