Final answer:
Neurons are unique among body cell types for their ability to send electrical signals over long distances, facilitated by their distinct morphology, including dendrites, an axon, and often a myelin sheath.
Step-by-step explanation:
In contrast to almost all other cell types in the body, neurons are highly specialized cells capable of transmitting electrical signals over long distances. Unlike other cells, they display a unique structure composed of dendrites, a cell body, and a long axon that is often myelinated. Neurons receive signals through their dendrites, process them in their cell body, and send impulses down the axon to communicate with other neurons, muscle cells, or glands. This architecture allows for the complex networking necessary for the nervous system to function, including learning and memory.
Glial cells, or neuroglia, provide critical support to neurons, including myelination, structural support, and metabolic assistance. While they do not transmit signals like neurons, their role is integral to the health and effectiveness of the nervous system. With ongoing research, glia may also possess more complex roles in neural signaling than previously understood. Nevertheless, the distinctive ability of neurons to conduct electrical impulses and form networks through synaptic connections sets them apart as the prime signal conductors of the nervous system.