What is the primary function of an axon in a neuron?

The primary function of an axon in a neuron is to conduct impulses away from the cell body of the nerve. The axon serves as a long, slender projection that transmits electrical impulses known as action potentials to other neurons, muscles, or glands. This transport of impulses is crucial for communication within the nervous system and facilitates the relay of information from one part of the body to another.

In contrast, other components of a neuron serve different roles. For instance, dendrites, which are often confused with axonal functions, are responsible for receiving signals from other neurons, while the cell body processes these incoming signals. The protective myelin sheaths are actually formed by glial cells that wrap around the axon to insulate it, speeding up the impulse conduction, but the axon's primary role is to transmit signals outward. Thus, the answer accurately reflects the unique function of the axon in the context of neuronal communication.