Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Dendrites are primarily responsible for receiving impulses, which is critical for the communication between neurons. These extensions from the neuron's cell body are covered in synapses, where neurotransmitters from other neurons bind to receptors on the dendrites. This binding initiates an electrical signal within the neuron, allowing it to transmit information.

The structure of dendrites also facilitates their function; they often have a branched morphology that increases the surface area available to receive signals, making them efficient in capturing incoming neurotransmitters. As a result, their role in gathering and integrating information from various sources is crucial for the neuron's overall response and activity.

In contrast, the other options describe functions that are not associated with dendrites. Neurons do send impulses through axons, they are insulated by myelin sheaths, and neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles within the axon terminals. These details highlight the specialized nature of dendrites in the neuronal signaling process.