Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

Which part of the neuron sends impulses toward the synapse?

1. Dendrites

2. Cell body

3. Axon

4. Synaptic knobs

The correct answer is: Axon

The axon is the part of the neuron that is specifically designed to transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body toward the synapse. It is a long, slender projection that can extend over considerable distances, facilitating communication between neurons or from neurons to other types of cells. This capability is essential for the rapid transmission of information throughout the nervous system. Dendrites, on the other hand, are the receptive regions of the neuron that receive signals from other neurons and relay that information to the cell body. The cell body processes these incoming signals, but it is the axon that conveys electrical impulses away from the body to the next neuron or target tissue. Synaptic knobs, or axon terminals, are located at the end of the axon and are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters into the synapse, but they do not send impulses; rather, they transmit the signal to subsequent cells upon receiving the electrical impulse from the axon. Thus, the axon plays a crucial role in sending impulses toward the synapse.