What part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?

The part of the neuron that receives signals from other neurons is the dendrites. Dendrites are specialized extensions of the neuron that come in various shapes and sizes, enabling them to efficiently catch and process signals from the axon terminals of adjacent neurons. These signals are typically in the form of neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft, where they bind to receptor sites on the dendritic membranes.

Dendrites act as the receiving portion of the neuron, gathering incoming information and transmitting it to the cell body. This is essential for neuronal communication, as the information collected through dendrites influences whether the neuron will generate an action potential that travels down the axon to communicate with other neurons.

The axon, on the other hand, is responsible for sending electrical impulses away from the neuron, while the myelin sheath serves to insulate the axon and enhance the speed of signal transmission. The synapse is the junction where communication occurs between neurons but is not a structure that receives signals itself. Each component plays a crucial role in neuronal function, but it is the dendrites that primarily handle the reception of incoming signals from other neurons.