Function of Dendrites. In order for neurons to become active, they must receive action potentials or other stimuli. Dendrites are the structures on the neuron that receive electrical messages. These messages come in two basic forms: excitatory and inhibitory.Excitatory action potentials increase the stimulation of a neuron, while inhibitory action potentials decrease the activity of the neuron.nstructor: John Williams. Dendrites are the segments of the neuron that receive stimulation in order for the cell to become active. They conduct electrical messages to the neuron cell body for the cell to function.