What is the extending arm of the neuron called?

The extending arm of the neuron is known as the axon. The axon is a long, thin projection that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. This structure is crucial for transmitting information throughout the nervous system, allowing for communication between brain regions and between the brain and the rest of the body. The axon can vary in length and is often surrounded by a myelin sheath, which enhances the speed of impulse transmission.

In contrast, dendrites are branched extensions from the neuron's cell body that receive signals from other neurons. The cortex refers to the outer layer of the brain, involved in higher-level functions such as perception and decision-making. Glia, or glial cells, provide support and protection for neurons but do not transmit information in the same manner as axons do. Understanding the function and anatomy of the axon is key to grasping how neurons communicate and how information processing occurs in the nervous system.