Types of Neurons

multipolar

major neuron type in the CNS

motor neurons

many processes extend from the cell body

all are dendrites except for a single axon

bipolar

special sense organs

two processes extend from the cell body

unipolar

found mainly in the PNS

one process extends from the cell body and forms central and peripheral processes, which together comprise an axon

receptive region

receives stimulus

plasma membrane exhibits chemically gated ion channels

conducting region

generates/transmits action potential

plasma membrane exhibits voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels

many bipolar neurons do not generate action potentials and, in those that do, the location of the trigger zone is not universal

secretory region

axon terminals release NTs

plasma membrane exhibits voltage-gated Ca+ channels