Dendrites are branched structures that extend away from the cell body and carry signals toward the soma.
Aside from the nucleus and other organelles, neurons contain unique structures for receiving and sending the electrical signals making neural communication possible. Dendrites are tree-like structures (branched) that extend away from the cell body to receive messages from other neurons at a neuromuscular junction called synapses. The branching helps to increase the surface area for reception. While some neurons have no dendrites, other types of neurons have multiple dendrites. Dendrites can have small bulges called dendritic spines, which further increase surface area for possible synaptic connections.
Cellular structure of neurons: Neurons have more specialized structures, including dendrites and axons.
Key Points
• Dendrites are branched structures in neurons that extend away from the cell body to receive messages from other neurons at synapses; not all neurons have dendrites.
• Synapses enable the dendrites from a single neuron to interact and receive signals from many other neurons.
• The branching in dendrites helps to increase the surface area for reception.
Key Terms
dendrite: branched projections of a neuron that conduct the impulses received from other neural cells to the cell body
synapse: a structure that permits a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron
synaptic connection: a neuromuscular junction between a neuron and a muscle cell
neuromuscular junction: chemical synapse formed by the contact between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber
neurons: a basic working unit of the brain
organelles: small parts of the cell
nucleus: the part of the cell containing genetic material and controlling functions
cell body: a portion of a neuron where the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes are located; also known as the soma
