Final answer:
Nerve cells have long projections called axons that transmit nerve impulses from the cell body to other cells. Axons may be insulated with myelin and terminate in axon terminals at synapses, which facilitate communication with other neurons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nerve cells form long projections called axons. An axon is a long, thin extension of the neuron's cell body which functions in transmitting nerve impulses away from the cell body. This signal transmission is directed towards other cells, which can be other neurons, muscle cells, or glands. Within the nervous system, these axons are often covered by a protective insulating layer called myelin, which is produced by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) and helps in the efficient transfer of electrical signals.
At the end of an axon, there are axon terminals that establish connections with other cells at structures known as synapses. The synapse is where the axon terminal releases neurotransmitters to communicate with the dendrites of the next neuron, allowing for signal transmission across neurons. It is important to note that while a neuron may have multiple axons terminals and dendrites, it only has one axon.