What are the "sensory fingers" of a nerve called?

Dendrites are the structures in neurons that serve as the "sensory fingers." They are responsible for receiving signals from other neurons and sensory receptors and then transmitting these signals toward the cell body of the neuron. Dendrites can be highly branched, allowing them to gather a significant amount of information from various sources, which is crucial for the overall functioning of the nervous system. This unique architecture enhances the neuron’s ability to process sensory information effectively.

In contrast, axons are responsible for sending outgoing signals away from the neuron to other neurons or muscles, and they typically do not participate in receiving sensory input. Synapses are the connections between neurons where the transmission of signals occurs, while somatic nerves refer to those that control voluntary movements and sensations in the body. Therefore, the primary role of dendrites as sensory input structures makes them the correct answer in this context.