The many short strands branching out from a neuron that carry messages to the cell body are called dendrites.

Here's a breakdown:

* Dendrites: These are the branched, tree-like structures that receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors. They act like antennas, gathering information and transmitting it towards the cell body.

* Cell body (soma): This is the central part of the neuron where the nucleus and other essential organelles are located. It processes the information received from the dendrites.

* Axon: This is a single, long, slender projection that carries signals away from the cell body towards other neurons, muscles, or glands.

So, while dendrites bring information to the cell body, the axon carries information away from it.