Anatomy Practice Exam

What is the main role of a neuron?

1. To protect the body from infections

2. To receive and conduct electrical impulses

3. To facilitate muscle contraction

4. To store fat and energy

The correct answer is: To receive and conduct electrical impulses

The primary role of a neuron is to receive and conduct electrical impulses throughout the nervous system. Neurons are specialized cells designed specifically for the transmission of information. They achieve this through their unique structure, which includes dendrites that receive signals, a cell body that processes these signals, and an axon that transmits the electrical impulses to other neurons, muscles, or glands. This process of electrical impulse conduction is critical for various functions, including reflexes, sensory perception, and communication between different parts of the body. The ability of neurons to communicate and transmit information rapidly is fundamental to the functioning of the entire nervous system, facilitating everything from simple reflex actions to complex cognitive processes. In contrast, other options describe functions of different types of cells or systems in the body: protecting the body from infections is primarily the role of immune cells, facilitating muscle contraction involves muscle cells and motor neurons, and storing fat and energy is a function of adipocytes, not neurons. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the distinctive and critical role of neurons in the body.