What part of the neuron is responsible for transmitting electrochemical impulses?

The axon is the part of the neuron responsible for transmitting electrochemical impulses, known as action potentials, away from the cell body towards other neurons, muscles, or glands. It serves as a long, slender projection that can extend over considerable distances, allowing for efficient communication within the nervous system. The structure of the axon is specialized for this role, often covered in a myelin sheath, which acts as an insulator and facilitates faster transmission of impulses through a process called saltatory conduction.

In contrast, dendrites primarily receive signals from other neurons and are not involved in the transmission of impulses away from the neuron. The cell body, or soma, contains the nucleus and is responsible for maintaining the cell's health and integration of incoming signals, but it does not transmit impulses. The synapse is the junction where communication occurs between two neurons, facilitating the release and reception of neurotransmitters, but again, it does not play a direct role in the transmission of electrical impulses along the neuron itself.