What is the direction of impulse conduction in neurons?

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Prepare for UCF SPA3104 Neural Bases of Communication exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel in your academic journey!

Impulse conduction in neurons primarily occurs in the direction from dendrites towards the axon terminals. This process begins when a neuron receives signals through its dendrites, which are specialized structures designed to capture incoming synaptic messages from other neurons. When enough signals are received, an electrical impulse, known as an action potential, is generated in the cell body and transported down the axon to reach the axon terminals. These terminals are responsible for transmitting the signal to the next neuron or target cell.

The unique structure of neurons is designed for this directionality of communication, where dendrites gather information, the cell body integrates it, and the axon transmits the impulse away from the cell body. Thus, the understanding of impulse conduction emphasizes the pathway from dendrites to axon terminals as the primary route in neuronal communication.