A&P Final: Structural Classification of Neurons

What does structural classification of neurons depend on?

Number of processes extending from the cell body

What are the 3 major structural neuron types?

Unipolar, bipolar, multipolar.

What are unipolar neurons also called?

Pseudounipolar neurons.

How do unipolar neurons form developmentally?

They start as bipolar neurons, then dendrite and axon fuse.

Structure of unipolar neurons

One fused process extending from cell body

Where are unipolar neurons usually located?

Ganglia

Function of unipolar neurons

Sensory receptors for touch, pressure, pain, thermal stimuli.

Structure of bipolar neurons

One dendrite and one axon

Where are bipolar neurons found?

Retina, inner ear, olfactory area

Structure of multipolar neurons

Many dendrites and one axon

Where are multipolar neurons most common?

Brain, spinal cord, and motor neurons

Most common structural neuron type

Multipolar