The Dendrites (Greek, dendr /o: tree) of a neuron are its many short, branching fibers extending from the cell body or soma. These fibers increase the surface area available for receiving incoming information. Dendrites are generally very thin appendages that get narrower as they extend further away from the soma.

How does the structure of dendrites contribute to the function of neurons?

Dendrites. Dendrites are tree-like extensions at the beginning of a neuron that help increase the surface area of the cell body. These tiny protrusions receive information from other neurons and transmit electrical stimulation to the soma. Dendrites are also covered with synapses.

How are dendrites best functionally described?

Most neurons have multiple dendrites, which extend out-ward from the cell body and are specialized to receive chemical signals from the axon termini of other neurons. Dendrites convert these signals into small electric impulses and transmit them inward, in the direction of the cell body.