Anatomy and Physiology Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology related questions and content

Which structure of the nervous system carries action potentials in the direction of a synapse?

  • A. cell body
  • B. axon
  • C. neuron
  • D. myelin
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the axon. The axon is a long, slender projection of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons, muscles, or glands. Action potentials travel along the axon to the axon terminals where they lead to the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse, allowing communication with other neurons or target cells. The cell body contains the nucleus and organelles of the neuron but does not transmit action potentials. Neurons are the functional unit of the nervous system composed of the cell body, dendrites, and axon. Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, helping to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses but does not carry action potentials towards the synapse.