Which of the following describes a tree-like branching of nerve fibers?

The correct choice describes dendrites, which are specialized structures on neurons that receive signals from other nerve cells. Dendrites have a characteristic tree-like appearance, with numerous branching extensions that increase their surface area. This branching structure allows them to connect with many other neurons effectively, facilitating communication within the nervous system.

In contrast, axons are long, slender projections that transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body, typically not exhibiting a branching pattern like dendrites. Synapses are the junctions where neurons communicate with one another, but they do not refer to the structure of nerve fibers themselves. Nerve trunks consist of multiple axons bundled together and do not display the same branching characteristics associated with dendrites. Thus, the defining tree-like branching characteristic pertains specifically to dendrites, making it the correct answer for this question.