Types of Neurons and Neuron Anatomy

Cell body (Soma)

Contains nucleus and organelles; responsible for maintaining the cells functions

Dendrites

Branch like extensions that receive electrical signals from other neurons

Axon

long single extension that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands

Axon terminals

the ends of the axon that release neurotransmitters to communicate with the next cell

Node of Ranvier

Gaps in myelin sheath that allow for saltatory conduction

Unipolar neurons

• Have one process that split into two branches

• Common in sensory neurons

• one branch acts like axon(send signals to CNS) and other acts like dendrite (receiving sensory input).

  (ex. sensory neurons in spinal cord)

Bipolar Neurons

• Have two processes: 1 axon 1 dendrite

• Found in specialized sensory organs

  (ex. neurons in retina)

Multipolar neurons

• Have many processes: 1 axon, several dendrites

• most motor neurons and interneurons

  (ex. motor neurons controlling muscles)

Sensory(afferent) neurons

Carry sensory info from body to the CNS

Motor(Efferent) neurons

Carry motor commands form CNS to muscles and glands, enabling movement and secretion

Interneurons

Found in CNS, connect sensory and motor neurons and are responsible for processing and integrating information