Neuronal Classification Study

Neuron

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system

Multipolar neuron

A neuron with one axon and multiple dendrites

Bipolar neuron

A neuron with one axon and one dendrite

Unipolar (pseudounipolar) neuron

A neuron with a single process that splits into two branches

Anaxonic neuron

A neuron with dendrites but no obvious axon

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Neurons that carry information toward the CNS from sensory receptors

Motor (efferent) neuron

Neurons that carry signals away from the CNS to effectors like muscles and glands

Interneuron (association neuron)

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the CNS

Somatic neuron

Neurons controlling voluntary movements of skeletal muscles

Autonomic neuron

Neurons controlling involuntary functions of smooth muscle

Excitatory neuron

Neurons that increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential

Inhibitory neuron

Neurons that decrease the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing

Glutamatergic neuron

A neuron that releases glutamate as its neurotransmitter

GABAergic neuron

A neuron that releases GABA as its neurotransmitter

Cholinergic neuron

A neuron that releases acetylcholine as its neurotransmitter

Dopaminergic neuron

A neuron that releases dopamine

Serotonergic neuron

A neuron that releases serotonin

Peptidergic neuron

A neuron that releases neuropeptides like substance P or endorphins