Grounding question ???

I hope this question makes sense. I have learned much about electricity lately, alot from forums like this. I understand that the neutral bar is bonded to the ground bar in a main panel. I have also read that the power company neutral is grounded at the pole peiodically. Given this, my question is where does the current that returns to the panel via the neutral wires "go"? Does it return to the power company or just go to ground? Which has lower resistance, the earth or the path to the power company?

Thanks.