Answer
Dendrites and cell bodies receive inputs ; axons conduct nerve impulses to other neurons and effector organs; this axonal transmission is achieved through the medium of neurotransmitters released at the axonal end bulb into a synaptic cleft
Work Step by Step
The cell body (soma or perikaryon) contains the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles (e.g. mitochondria, golgi apparatus, ribosomes, SER) of the neuro. These organelles enable the soma to support the axon metabolically. The soma has many receptors and these enable it to pick up sensory messages.
Dendrites are many branching extensions at the proximal end of the soma; they are the prime receptor compartment of neurons. Like the cell body, they also have several cell organelles, as well as binding sites. Dendrite receive impulses and forward them into the cell body.
An axon is the long cylindroid compartment of a neuron. Each axon starts as an initial segment at the axon-the axon hillock (of the soma) junction.. Action potentials start at this trigger zone and are transmitted by the axon away from the soma. At its distal end, an axon usually ends in terminal bumps or varicosities with vesicles containing a neurotransmitter or several neurotransmitters. Axons have no SER and therefore they are unable to make proteins. They transmit neural impulses to other axons or effectors by releasing neurotransmitters into synaptic clefts. These neurotransmitters open or close ligand-gated ion channels;the permission or the inhibition of the entry of ions permits or inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses (APs).
