What function does the axon of a neuron serve?

The axon of a neuron plays a vital role in the transmission of information by carrying electrical impulses away from the cell body, also known as the soma. This is crucial for neuronal communication, as it allows signals to travel over distances to reach other neurons, muscles, or glands. The structure of the axon, often covered in a fatty myelin sheath, enhances the speed and efficiency of these impulses through a process called saltatory conduction. This function enables rapid responses to stimuli and coordinated activities across different sections of the nervous system.

While receiving signals from other neurons is a function of the dendrites, the synthesis of neurotransmitters generally takes place in the cell body and synaptic terminals, and connecting to other cells varies by neuron type but is not the primary function of the axon.