What part of the neuron is responsible for receiving signals?

The part of the neuron responsible for receiving signals is the dendrites. Dendrites are branched extensions of the neuron that receive messages from other nerve cells. They have specialized receptors that bind to neurotransmitters, allowing them to capture and process incoming signals from adjacent neurons. This is a crucial function, as it initiates the process of communication between neurons, leading to various responses within the nervous system.

In contrast, the axon transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body and toward other neurons or muscles, while the soma, or cell body, contains the nucleus and organelles necessary for the neuron's metabolic activities. The synapse refers to the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released. Each component plays an essential role in neuronal communication, but it is the dendrites that specifically receive incoming signals.