In a neuron, what is the soma?

• A. The long process that carries action potentials away from the cell body
• B. The insulating covering around an axon that increases conduction speed
• C. The branched extensions that primarily receive incoming signals from other neurons
• D. The cell body that contains the nucleus and most organelles

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a neuron has several key parts: dendrites, soma (cell body), and axon.
2. Identify the soma as the part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and most of the organelles, which is essential for maintaining cell function.
3. Recognize that the dendrites are branched extensions that primarily receive incoming signals from other neurons.
4. Know that the axon is the long process that carries action potentials away from the cell body.
5. Recall that the insulating covering around an axon is called the myelin sheath, which increases conduction speed.