Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

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What is the role of the axon in the nervous system?

Receiving signals
Insulating the neuron
Carrying impulses away from the cell body
Storing energy

The correct answer is: Carrying impulses away from the cell body

The axon plays a crucial role in the nervous system by carrying impulses away from the cell body of the neuron. This is essential for communication within the nervous system, as the axon transmits electrical signals, known as action potentials, to other neurons, muscles, or glands. The axon allows for rapid long-distance signaling, enabling the nervous system to respond swiftly to stimuli. While receiving signals is primarily the function of dendrites and the cell body, and insulating the neuron is the job of the myelin sheath surrounding many axons, these processes do not encompass the primary role of the axon itself. Additionally, neurons do not store energy within the axon; instead, they utilize energy derived from cellular metabolism to facilitate the transmission of impulses along the axon. This highlights the axon's unique and critical function in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of neural communication.