* Dendrites:
* Receive: Dendrites are primarily responsible for *receiving* signals from other neurons. They are often branched, like a tree, to increase the surface area for receiving these signals.
* Short & Numerous: Dendrites are usually shorter and more numerous than axons.
* No Myelin: Dendrites are not typically covered in myelin, a fatty substance that insulates axons and speeds up signal transmission.
* Axons:
* Transmit: Axons are specialized for *transmitting* signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
* Long & Single: Axons are generally longer than dendrites and there's usually only one axon per neuron.
* Myelinated (often): Axons often have a myelin sheath which insulates them and speeds up signal transmission.
So, while both are arm-like processes, their functions and structures are quite different.