What is the role of dendrites in a neuron?

• A. To transmit impulses away from the neuron
• B. To receive signals from other neurons
• C. To form the myelin sheath
• D. To generate action potentials

Answer: (B)

Dendrites are the neuron's receiving branches. They pick up chemical signals released by other neurons at synapses and convert those into small electrical changes called postsynaptic potentials. These inputs travel toward the cell body, where they are summed; if the total reaches the threshold, an action potential is triggered and travels along the axon to communicate with other cells. The other roles described belong to different parts of the neuron: the axon transmits impulses away from the neuron, the myelin sheath is formed by glial cells to insulate and speed up conduction, and action potentials are generated at the axon hillock, not in the dendrites. So, dendrites’ job is to receive signals.