Final answer:
The dendrites are the receptive segment of a neuron, primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals and carrying them to the neuron's cell body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dendrites of a neuron are described as the receptive segment. Dendrites are thin structures that are extensions of the cell body, and their primary function is to receive nerve impulses from other cells and carry them to the cell body. A neuron may have many dendrites, with each dendrite being able to branch repeatedly, which increases the neuron's capacity to receive signals from various synapses. This contrasts with the axon, which is another component of the neuron that transmits signals to target cells or other neurons.