In a typical neuron, the axon __________.

• A. contains the nucleus and is the primary site of protein synthesis
• B. conducts nerve impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons or effector cells
• C. receives most incoming synaptic signals and carries them toward the cell body
• D. forms the insulating myelin sheath around nearby nerve fibers

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of a typical neuron, which includes the cell body (soma), dendrites, and axon.
2. Recall that the cell body contains the nucleus and is the primary site of protein synthesis, so the axon does not contain the nucleus.
3. Recognize that dendrites are the structures that receive most incoming synaptic signals and carry them toward the cell body, not the axon.
4. Know that the myelin sheath is formed by specialized glial cells (Schwann cells in the PNS and oligodendrocytes in the CNS), not by the axon itself.
5. Conclude that the axon's main function is to conduct nerve impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons or effector cells.