Ace the 2025 HOSA Anatomy & Physiology Challenge – Boost Your Health Science Skills!

The elongated part of the neuron that is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses is called the axon. The axon serves as a crucial component of the neuronal structure, allowing for the communication of signals over long distances within the nervous system. When a neuron receives a signal, it generates an electrical impulse known as an action potential that travels along the axon. This impulse enables the neuron to relay information to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Axons can vary in length, accommodating the needs of different types of neurons throughout the body. The axon is typically covered by a myelin sheath, which acts as an insulator and speeds up the transmission of electrical signals. In contrast, dendrites are the branched structures that receive signals from other neurons, and the cell body houses the nucleus and organelles. The synapse refers to the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitter release occurs, facilitating communication. Understanding the distinct roles of each part of the neuron underscores why the axon is pivotal for signal transmission.