Dendrites extend from the cell body and are primarily involved in receiving messages.

Dendrites extend from the cell body and are primarily involved in receiving messages.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. They generate action potentials
• D. They release neurotransmitters

Answer: (A)

Dendrites act as the input region of a neuron. They extend from the cell body and have many branches to receive signals from other neurons at synapses. When neurotransmitters bind to receptors on dendrites, they produce small, local changes in membrane potential that travel toward the soma. The neuron then integrates these inputs, and if the combined signal reaches threshold at the axon hillock, an action potential is generated in the axon to carry the message onward. Because of this input-focused role, dendrites are primarily involved in receiving messages rather than generating impulses or releasing neurotransmitters themselves.

Dendrites act as the input region of a neuron. They extend from the cell body and have many branches to receive signals from other neurons at synapses. When neurotransmitters bind to receptors on dendrites, they produce small, local changes in membrane potential that travel toward the soma. The neuron then integrates these inputs, and if the combined signal reaches threshold at the axon hillock, an action potential is generated in the axon to carry the message onward. Because of this input-focused role, dendrites are primarily involved in receiving messages rather than generating impulses or releasing neurotransmitters themselves.