National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

What is the role of the axon in a neuron?

1. To receive signals from other neurons

2. To transmit nerve impulses to other neurons or effector sites

3. To process sensory information

4. To support the structural integrity of the neuron

The correct answer is: To transmit nerve impulses to other neurons or effector sites

The role of the axon in a neuron is primarily to transmit nerve impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons or effector sites, such as muscles or glands. The axon acts as a communication pathway, allowing the electrical impulses generated in the neuron to travel efficiently over distances. This process is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, enabling rapid and coordinated responses to stimuli. The axon is typically a long, slender projection that can be covered in myelin, a protective sheath that helps increase the speed of impulse conduction. This is essential for quick reflex actions and effective communication between different parts of the body. Without the axon's ability to transmit nerve signals, the functioning of the entire nervous system would be compromised, highlighting its importance in the overall communication network within the body.