comprehensive neuron classification flashcard set combining morphology, function, and neurotransmitter type

comprehensive neuron classification flashcard set combining morphology, function, and neurotransmitter type

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 splitting into two branches

Anaxonic neuron

A neuron with dendrites but no obvious axon

Sensory (afferent) neuron

Carries information from sensory receptors toward the CNS

Motor (efferent) neuron

Carries signals from CNS to muscles and glands

Interneuron (association neuron)

Connects 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

Increases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential

Inhibitory neuron

Decreases the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing

Glutamatergic neuron

Releases glutamate

GABAergic neuron

Releases GABA

Cholinergic neuron

Releases acetylcholine

Dopaminergic neuron

Releases dopamine

Serotonergic neuron

Releases serotonin

Peptidergic neuron

Releases neuropeptides such as substance P or endorphins

Sensory-motor integration neuron

Processes sensory inputs and produces coordinated motor outputs

Projection neuron

Neuron with long axons that send signals between different brain regions

Local circuit neuron

Neuron with short axons that communicate locally within a single brain region

Pyramidal neuron

Multipolar neuron in the cerebral cortex with pyramid-shaped soma

Purkinje cell

Large multipolar inhibitory neuron in the cerebellar cortex