In the context of neurons, what is the function of an axon?

An axon serves the crucial role of transmitting signals away from the neuron's cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. This long, slender projection is specialized for conducting electrical impulses known as action potentials. Once an action potential travels along the axon, it reaches the axon terminals, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. This process allows communication between neurons or between neurons and other target cells.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of neuronal function. The reception of signals occurs at the dendrites and cell body, information integration happens within the cell body where signals are processed, and synapse formation involves the axon but is not solely its function as a signal sender. Understanding the specific role of the axon highlights why its primary function is to send signals rather than perform these other tasks.