Illustration of neuron and dendrites. Dendrites receive electrochemical stimulation (via synapses, not shown here) from neurons (not shown here), and propagate that stimulation to the neuron cell body (soma). A neuron sends electrochemical stimulation via an axon to communicate with other neurons via telodendria (purple, right) at the end of the axon and synapses (not shown here). (credit: Quasar/CC).
Dendrites have been considered simple passive conduits of signals. But by working with animals that were moving around freely, the UCLA team showed that dendrites are in fact electrically active — generating nearly 10 times more spikes than the soma (neuron cell body).
