An impulse travels through a neuron in a specific sequence that allows for effective communication of signals within the nervous system. The correct path is from the dendrites to the axon, then to the synapse.
Initially, the impulse begins at the dendrites, where it receives signals from other neurons. The dendrites are crucial as they contain receptors that detect neurotransmitters, which bind and create an electrical signal in the neuron. This signal then travels to the cell body, where the neuron processes the information.
Once processed, the electrical impulse moves down the axon—an elongated part of the neuron that transmits the impulse away from the cell body. The axon is insulated in many cases by myelin sheath, which speeds up the transmission of the impulse.
Finally, when the impulse reaches the end of the axon, it reaches the synapse. The synapse is the junction between two neurons. Here, the impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which cross the synaptic gap to initiate an impulse in the next neuron, thus continuing the signal transmission.
This sequence is essential for the functioning of the nervous system, as it dictates how information is relayed through neural pathways to produce responses.