What are the threadlike fibers that transmit impulses away from a nerve cell?

The correct response is axons, which are specialized structures within a nerve cell that carry electrical signals away from the neuron's cell body. Each axon is capable of transmitting impulses over long distances to communicate with other neurons, muscles, or glands. This transmission is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, enabling the coordination of responses and actions throughout the body.

Axons are typically long and can branch out to connect with multiple target cells, facilitating extensive communication networks. They are often covered with a myelin sheath, which enhances the speed of signal transmission. Understanding the role of axons is fundamental in disciplines such as neurology and anatomy, as they play a critical role in the overall functioning of the nervous system.

The other choices do not fulfill the same function. Synapses refer to the junctions where communication occurs between neurons, dendrites receive signals from other neurons, and neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses. Each of these components is essential for neural communication, but none are responsible for the direct transmission of impulses away from the nerve cell like axons are.