What is the name of the part of a neuron that sends neural impulses?

The axon is the part of a neuron responsible for transmitting neural impulses away from the cell body (soma) to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It is a long, slender projection that acts like a conduit for the electrical signals generated by the neuron. When a neuron is activated, an action potential travels down the axon, which allows the signal to be relayed quickly and efficiently over distances.

The structure of the axon supports this function, as it is typically insulated by a myelin sheath, which enhances the speed of conduction through a process called saltatory conduction. This enables the electrical impulses to jump between the nodes of Ranvier, which are small gaps in the myelin sheath, allowing for rapid transmission.

In contrast, dendrites receive signals from other neurons and convey the information to the soma, where the cell processes the incoming data. The soma is the main body of the neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles, orchestrating the cell's overall functioning. A synapse is the junction between two neurons, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals, but it is not involved in sending impulses directly. The axon plays the crucial role of sending the neural impulses, making it the correct answer.