What part of the nerve cell is responsible for receiving messages from other cells?

The correct choice is the dendrites, which are specialized projections of a neuron. Their primary role is to receive signals and information from other neurons. Dendrites are equipped with receptors that bind to neurotransmitters released at the synapse, allowing the neuron to gather input from multiple sources and integrate it. This process is crucial for communication within the nervous system, enabling the transmission of signals that dictate reactions and responses.

The axon serves a different purpose; it transmits nerve impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscle cells, making it critical for sending information rather than receiving it. The somatic refers to the body or bodily functions rather than a specific component of a nerve cell. The synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs but is not itself a structure that receives signals; rather, it is the site where neurotransmitter release takes place, facilitating communication between dendrites and axons of adjacent neurons.