Access free live classes and tests on the app
Download
+
Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA
Login Join for Free
avtar
  • ProfileProfile
  • Settings Settings
  • Refer your friendsRefer your friends
  • Sign outSign out
  • Terms & conditions
  • •
  • Privacy policy
  • About
  • •
  • Careers
  • •
  • Blog

© 2023 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

Watch Free Classes
  • NEET 2024
  • NEET Answer Key 2024
  • NEET 2024 Preparation Toolkit
  • NEET Rank Predictor 2024
  • NEET College Predictor 2024
  • Study Materials
  • Notifications
  • NEET Syllabus 2024
  • NEET Question Paper
  • NEET Notes
  • NEET Books
  • NEET Paper Pattern
  • Video Lectures
  • Mind Maps
  • Downloads
  • Difference Between
  • Full Forms
  • Exam Tips
  • MCQs
NEET UG 2026 » NEET UG Study Material » Biology » Dendrites
neetug_toolkit

Dendrites

They are branched protoplasmic extensions of a nerve cell that transmit electrochemical stimulation received from other neural cells to the cell body, or soma of the neuron from which the dendrites project. Dendrites are derived from the Greek word for "tree," which means "branched protoplasmic extension of a nerve cell." Through synapses, which are positioned at various sites across the dendritic tree, electrical stimulation is conveyed onto dendrites by upstream neurons (often via their axons). Dendrites play an important part in the integration of synaptic inputs and in defining the amount to which action potentials are produced by the neuron during its activity.

Table of Content
  •  

Dendrites are the finger-like cells present at the axon terminal of a neuron. Axons are short, branching fibres that extend from the nerve cell body to the peripheral nerve terminals The increased surface area of the fibre increases the surface area available for receiving incoming data.

Dendrites are the receiving and transmitting portions of a neuron. They often have short, thin, heavily branched structural parts.

Dendrites are tree-shaped or branch-like projections of the nerve cell body. They protrude from the nerve cell body. Dendrites’ cytoplasm comprises nissl bodies, mitochondria, and other vital organelles. The dendrite receives external stimuli and passes them to neighbouring neurons. The dendrite is the shortest fibre that extends from the cell body.

Our brains contain at least 100 billion neurons. Dendrites grow out of neurons as we listen, write, talk, practise, or do anything else. A new dendrite takes time to create since it requires a lot of experience to grow. A synapse is a contact point formed by two dendrites growing together. Electrical signals go across the synapse between neurons to communicate.

The more we practise, the larger and thicker the dendrites, which have a fatty myelin covering, become. As a result, the dendrites thicken, speeding up signal transmission.

With enough effort, dendrites can form a two-way connection. Dendrites’ faster, stronger, and dual connections allow them to survive longer, allowing us to store more information. Thus, dendrites only grow when we actively practise or do something again.

Structure Of Dendrites

Dendrites Have a Specific Form.

Dendrites are roughly two microns in length and 5 to 7 in number, depending on the species. It is common for them to project through the soma and spread out widely. As a result, they usually create a tree-like arborization around the neuron, which is referred to as the dendritic tree.

Dendrites contain a variety of cytoskeletal structures, as well as the Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, all of which are involved in the protein-synthesizing activity that occurs in the dendrites as the signal is being transmitted.

Functions of Dendrites

Dendrites have a variety of functions.

Dendrites are the structures on the surface of the neuron that allow it to function by receiving electrical signals. Dendrites have the purpose of transferring information from the soma of the neuron to the rest of the cell’s body through the nervous system. Dendrites are involved in a variety of other biological activities, including:

  • Dendrites are also important in the process of sexual intercourse.

  • Dendrites are the parts of a neuron that receive data or impulses from another neuron.

  • Dendrite is responsible for collecting and storing the information received from axon terminals.

  • Nerve cells’ dendrites are the structures within their cell bodies that convey electrical impulses back to their origination point.

  • Dendrites in the human body are responsible for collecting messages from other neurons and nerves. All of these messages are carried via the nerve systems and into the brain, where they are decoded and sent back to various regions of the body in order for a reaction to take place.

Conclusion

It is the function of dendrites to receive communications from neighbouring cells that they are so named. When triggered by other neurons, they produce projections that transmit the electrical charge to the cell body, giving the cell a tree-like appearance (or, more rarely, directly to the axons).

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the NEET UG Examination Preparation.

What is it that dendrites are sensitive to?

Ans. Using this method, it is demonstrated that dendrites create extensive connections with axons in the form of axo...Read full

What kind of information may dendrites receive?

Ans. In a neuron, dendrites are tree-like extensions that grow from the beginning of the cell body, which helps to e...Read full

Have you ever wondered if dendrites have voltage gated channels?

Ans. Dendrites include voltage-gated ion channels, which allow them to generate action potentials when stimulated by...Read full

Where have all the dendritic cells gone?

Ans. It is common to find dendritic cells in tissues that come into touch with the outside environment, such as the ...Read full

Ans. Using this method, it is demonstrated that dendrites create extensive connections with axons in the form of axodendritic synapses, which serve as a key means of communication between neurons (see Synapse below and Ch. 6, p. 110). They are the primary sensors of a neuron in the sense that the dendrites are the first to receive incoming signals from the outside world.

Ans. In a neuron, dendrites are tree-like extensions that grow from the beginning of the cell body, which helps to expand the surface area of the cell. Small protrusions on the surface of the neuronal membrane that receive information from neighbouring neurons and transmit electrical stimulation to the soma. Synapses are also found on the dendrites of neurons.

Ans. Dendrites include voltage-gated ion channels, which allow them to generate action potentials when stimulated by voltage. Dendritic spikes have been observed in a wide variety of types of neurons throughout the brain, and they are expected to have important consequences for neural communication, memory, and learning, among other functions.

Ans. It is common to find dendritic cells in tissues that come into touch with the outside environment, such as the skin (where they are known as Langerhans cells) and the linings of the nose and lungs, as well as the stomach and intestines. Immature versions of the virus are also present in the bloodstream.

Crack NEET UG with Unacademy

Get subscription and access unlimited live and recorded courses from India’s best educators

  • Structured syllabus
  • Daily live classes
  • Ask doubts
  • Tests & practice
Learn more

Notifications

Get all the important information related to the NEET UG Examination including the process of application, important calendar dates, eligibility criteria, exam centers etc.

Best Books for NEET UG 2026 – Physics, Chemistry & Biology
How to Prepare for NEET UG 2026 at Home Without Coaching?
Last 10 Years NEET UG Question Papers – Download NEET UG Previous Year Question Paper with Solutions PDFs
NEET UG 2025 Counselling – Schedule, Dates, Fees, Seat Allotment
NEET UG 2026 Registration Date Extension
NEET UG 2026 Registration Process
NEET UG Answer Key 2025 – Download PDF
NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026: Minimum Age, Required Codes, and Attempts
NEET UG Exam Analysis
NEET UG Exam Calendar
NEET UG Exam Information
NEET UG EXAM PATTERN 2026
NEET UG Hall Ticket 2026 – Check Steps to Download
NEET UG Marking Scheme
NEET UG Previous Papers Analysis
NEET UG Registration Fees
NEET UG Results 2025 (OUT): Download Link @neet.nta.nic.in, NEET Score card
NEET UG Syllabus 2026
NEET UG Syllabus 2026 with Chapter-wise Weightage
See all

Related articles

Learn more topics related to Biology
Zygote

In this chapter we will discuss zygote definition, formation of zygote, development of zygote and much more.At last we will discuss some important questions related to this topic.

Zoology

Zoology is the branch of biology that is concerned with the study of the animal kingdom. It is the scientific study of all of the species of the animal kingdom as a whole, including humans.

Zoological Park

This article gives you an insight into the zoological parks, the advantages and disadvantages of zoos and much more.

Zinc

In this article we were going to learn about the topic of Zinc in detail with examples and uses.

See all
Access more than

9,257+ courses for NEET UG

Get subscription

Trending Topics

  • NEET Preparation Tips
  • NEET 2024 Preparation Tips
  • How to Prepare for NEET from Class 11?
  • How to Prepare for NEET?
  • NEET 2024
  • NEET Syllabus 2024
  • NEET Question Paper
  • NEET Exam Pattern
  • NEET Notification
  • NEET Exam Calendar
  • NEET Results
  • NEET Eligibility
  • NEET Preparation Books
Download NEET Formulas

NEET Previous Year Question Papers

  • NEET 2022 Question Paper
  • NEET 2021 Question Paper
  • NEET 2020 Question Paper
  • NEET 2019 Question Paper
  • NEET 2018 Question Paper
combat_neetug

Related links

  • NEET Study Materials
  • How Many Attempts for NEET
  • How Many Marks Are Required in NEET for MBBS
  • Living World NEET Questions
  • MBBS Full Form
  • NEET Full Form
  • Physics NEET Syllabus
freeliveclasses_neetug
Download NEET 2023 question paper
Company Logo

Unacademy is India’s largest online learning platform. Download our apps to start learning


Starting your preparation?

Call us and we will answer all your questions about learning on Unacademy

Call +91 8585858585

Company
About usShikshodayaCareers
we're hiring
BlogsPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
Help & support
User GuidelinesSite MapRefund PolicyTakedown PolicyGrievance Redressal
Products
Learner appLearner appEducator appEducator appParent appParent app
Popular goals
IIT JEEUPSCSSCCSIR UGC NETNEET UG
Trending exams
GATECATCANTA UGC NETBank Exams
Study material
UPSC Study MaterialNEET UG Study MaterialCA Foundation Study MaterialJEE Study MaterialSSC Study Material

© 2025 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA

Share via

COPY