Final answer:
Nerve cells receive stimuli or impulses through their dendrites, which are short, branched projections that act as signal receivers for the neuron. They are connected to the cell body and pick up signals from other neurons. Glial cells provide support, but do not receive signals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are specialized to receive and transmit signals in the body. A neuron consists of several parts: the cell body (also known as the soma or perikaryon), dendrites, an axon, and various types of glial cells. The dendrites are the structures responsible for receiving stimuli or impulses. They are short, branched projections connecting to the cell body that act like antennae to pick up signals from other neurons. After receiving these signals, the neuron can generate an electrical impulse that travels down the axon to other nerve cells or muscle cells.
Glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, play a supportive role by regulating the chemical environment and insulating the axons, which helps speed up signal transmission. However, they are not involved in the initial signal reception process. Therefore, in response to the question, it is the dendrites that receive stimuli or impulses in nerve cells, not the perikaryon, axons, or glial cells.