Neuronal structures that receive and conduct impulses towards the cell body are primarily known as what?

Dendrites are neuronal structures that are primarily responsible for receiving and conducting impulses towards the cell body of a neuron. They are extensions of the neuron that branch out to form a tree-like structure, which increases the surface area available for synaptic connections with other neurons or sensory receptors. When a neuron receives incoming signals, these signals are transmitted through the dendrites to the cell body, where integration and processing of the information occur.

Other structures mentioned have distinct roles: axons transmit impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles; synapses are the junctions where communication between neurons occurs; and nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath of axons that facilitate the rapid conduction of impulses. Each plays a crucial part in the overall functioning of the nervous system, but only dendrites are specifically designed for receiving and conducting impulses toward the neuronal cell body.