Final answer:
The extensions from the cell body that conduct impulses toward it are called dendrites, which receive signals from other cells. The axon, which is different from dendrites, sends impulses away from the cell body towards other cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The short, tapering, diffusely branched extensions from the cell body that conduct impulses toward the cell body are known as dendrites. A neuron may have many dendrites, and each dendrite can branch out extensively, forming a complex tree-like structure. Dendrites' primary role is to receive nerve impulses from other cells and conduct them towards the cell body, thus integrating neuronal input. In contrast, the axon is a single, long thin structure that extends from the neuron cell body and transmits impulses away from the cell body towards other neurons or effectors. Axons often end in a series of branches known as axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released to signal other neurons or target tissues at synapses. The myelin sheath often insulates axons, improving the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission.