Final answer:
Dendrites are neuron extensions that receive information from other neurons, while axons are single fibers that transmit information to other cells. The axon, typically wrapped in a myelin sheath, sends electrical impulses, whereas dendrites receive these impulses at synapses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two types of processes that extend from the cell body of a neuron are dendrites and axons. Dendrites are branched structures that extend from the neuron's cell body, which is also known as the soma. Their primary function is to receive information from other neurons through specialized contact points called synapses. On the other hand, the axon is a single, elongated fiber that emerges from the cell body and transmits information to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It can branch out to communicate with multiple target cells, facilitating the propagation of nerve impulses.
Moreover, information within the neuron flows from the dendrites, across the cell body, and down the axon, thus attributing a polarity to the neuron. The axon is typically insulated by a myelin sheath, provided by glial cells, which enhances the efficiency of nerve impulse transmission. Understanding these structures is essential for comprehending how neurons communicate within the nervous system.