What structure of a neuron is responsible for transporting electrical signals?

The axon is the structure of a neuron responsible for transporting electrical signals, specifically action potentials, away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It serves as a long, thin extension that allows the electrical impulses to travel efficiently over varying distances, facilitating communication within the nervous system.

The unique myelin sheath that often encases axons enhances the speed and efficiency of signal transmission through a process called saltatory conduction, where the electrical impulse jumps between nodes of Ranvier. This structural feature is crucial for rapid communication between neurons and underpins many functions of the nervous system.

Other components, such as the cell body, dendrites, and synapse, serve different purposes. The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles, playing a vital role in maintaining the neuron's health and integrating incoming signals. Dendrites receive signals from other neurons but do not transmit electrical impulses over long distances. The synapse is the junction where communication occurs between neurons but does not conduct electrical signals itself; instead, it relies on chemical neurotransmitters to relay signals from one neuron to another.