Final answer:
The part of a nerve cell that receives incoming impulses is called a dendrite. Dendrites are critical in receiving information and sending it to the neuron's cell body, whereas the axon transmits the signal to other cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Receptive Part of a Nerve Cell
The part of a nerve cell that receives incoming impulses is known as a dendrite. On the other hand, the part of a neuron that transmits an electrical signal to a target cell is termed the axon. Neurons are highly specialized for the transmission of signals throughout the body. They consist of several key components, including the soma (or cell body), dendrites, and axon. Dendrites are extensions of the cell body that receive signals from other neurons and send them to the cell body. In contrast, the axon carries the action potential away from the neuron's cell body toward other neurons or cells, ultimately facilitating intercellular communication.
Each neuron is capable of receiving multiple signals from various synapses, which are integrated at the axon hillock and then relayed down the axon to the next cell in the signal pathway. This process is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, as it enables the rapid and precise delivery of signals throughout the body.