Which component of a neuron primarily transmits signals away from the cell?

The axon is the component of a neuron primarily responsible for transmitting signals away from the cell body, called the soma. It is a long, slender projection that carries electrical impulses, known as action potentials, to other neurons, muscles, or glands. The axon's structure is specifically designed for this purpose; it is insulated by the myelin sheath, which increases the speed of signal transmission by allowing the impulse to jump between the nodes of Ranvier, enhancing the efficiency of communication within the nervous system.

In contrast, dendrites are the branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the soma. The soma itself integrates these incoming signals and determines whether to propagate an action potential along the axon. The myelin sheath, while important in facilitating rapid signal conduction, does not initiate or transmit signals by itself; it primarily serves to insulate the axon and improve signal speed. Thus, the axon is the crucial component that carries signals away from the neuron, allowing for effective communication within the nervous system.