Question

What roles do the dendrites, cell body, and axon, play in communication of signals?

Answer 1

Dendrites and the cell body receive input signals. Axon conducts nerve impulses or action potentials and transmits the message to another neuron or effector cell by releasing a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) at its synaptic end bulbs. Cell body links the dendrites to the axon. They are made up of various organelles like the nucleus, Nissl’s granules and ribosomes. These granules provide coloration to the cell body.

Complete answer:
There are three parts in a neuron. They are cell body, dendrite and axon. Cell body is also called soma.
Cell body is responsible for numerous complex biochemical processes. It contains metabolic machinery, which is a necessity to transform glucose into high energy compounds that supply energy needs of neuron’s other parts. Highly active proteins called chemical messengers between the cells are synthesized and packaged inside the cell body.
Dendrites are present along with a form of synaptic connection called dendritic spines. They reach out to make contact with nearby axons. Dendrites extend the sensitive receptive surface of the cell body’s membrane into surrounding nervous tissue.
Axon emerges from the cell body and extends into the region of synaptic contact. They possess excitable membranes, which are able to generate action potential. Axon hillock of the axon forms the basis of transport, which aids in the transport of substances through the cell body. Axon branches into the endfoot when approaching synaptic targets and synaptic vesicles present in them release the neurotransmitters into the space between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes called synaptic cleft.

Note:
Cell body consists of the nucleus of the cell and the associated structures. Dendrites are the specialized extensions of the cell body. They obtain information from other cells and carry them to other bodies. Axon carries information from the cell body to other cells. Dendrites and axons are collectively referred to as processes as they both are the extensions of the cell body.