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

• A. Receives most synaptic input and conducts graded potentials toward the cell body
• B. Conducts action potentials away from the cell body toward axon terminals
• C. Provides myelin insulation around neighboring neurons to increase conduction speed
• D. Synthesizes neurotransmitters in the nucleus and packages them for release

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of a typical neuron, which includes the dendrites, cell body (soma), axon, and axon terminals.
2. Step 2: Recognize that dendrites primarily receive synaptic inputs and conduct graded potentials toward the cell body.
3. Step 3: Identify that the axon is specialized to conduct electrical signals called action potentials away from the cell body toward the axon terminals.
4. Step 4: Note that myelin insulation is provided by glial cells (such as Schwann cells or oligodendrocytes), not by the axon itself, and it serves to increase conduction speed.
5. Step 5: Understand that neurotransmitter synthesis occurs mainly in the cell body (nucleus and cytoplasm), not in the axon, and neurotransmitters are transported down the axon to be released at the terminals.