Which statement BEST describes the flow of information through a neuron?

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Question: Which statement BEST describes the flow of information through a neuron?
Option a: 'Information is received by the axon hillock and sent through the cell body.' In reality, the axon hillock integrates signals that are received from the dendrites and soma; the primary input region is not the axon hillock, and signal transmission is away from the cell body along the axon, not through the cell body. This description misplaces where signals are gathered and how they propagate.
Option b: 'Information is received by dendritic spines and sent through axons.' This matches the standard neuronal pathway: dendritic spines on dendrites receive synaptic inputs, the soma integrates them, and the action potential travels down the axon to synaptic terminals. The phrasing highlights the correct input region (dendrites/spines) and the correct output pathway (through the axon).
Option c: 'Information is received by axon terminals and sent through dendritic spines.' This reverses the typical direction of information flow. Axon terminals are outputs, not primary input sites, and dendritic spines are inputs, not conduits for outbound signals. It confuses the anatomical roles of these structures.
Option d: 'Information is received by the soma and sent through the Golgi apparatus.' The soma does participate in integration but not as the sole input receiver in a way that would drive information through the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi apparatus is a cellular organelle involved in processing and trafficking proteins, not a primary conduit for neural signaling. This option conflates cellular organelle function with neural signal transmission.

PSYC20006_2025_SM1 Exam: Biological Psychology (PSYC20006_2025_SM1)- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

Which statement BEST describes the flow of information through a neuron?

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