Which structure carries information toward the soma?

Which structure carries information toward the soma?

• A. Dendrites
• B. Axon
• C. Myelin sheath
• D. Soma

Answer: (A)

Dendrites are specialized to receive signals from other neurons and ferry that information toward the cell body. When neurotransmitters bind to receptors on dendrites, they generate graded potentials that spread passively toward the soma. This directional flow toward the soma is what makes dendrites the structures that carry information inward. In contrast, the axon carries signals away from the soma to the synaptic terminals; the myelin sheath speeds conduction along the axon but doesn’t route information toward the soma; and the soma itself is the integrative center that sums inputs rather than a conduit bringing information to itself.

Dendrites are specialized to receive signals from other neurons and ferry that information toward the cell body. When neurotransmitters bind to receptors on dendrites, they generate graded potentials that spread passively toward the soma. This directional flow toward the soma is what makes dendrites the structures that carry information inward. In contrast, the axon carries signals away from the soma to the synaptic terminals; the myelin sheath speeds conduction along the axon but doesn’t route information toward the soma; and the soma itself is the integrative center that sums inputs rather than a conduit bringing information to itself.