Tortora Chapter 9: Neuron Classification and Structure

Neuron: A nerve cell, representing the basic functional unit of the nervous system.
Ganglion: A group of neuronal cell bodies that are located outside of the central nervous system (CNS).
Receptor: The specific portion of a neuron that is designed to respond to a particular sensory modality. Examples of these modalities include touch and cold temperature.

Sensory Neuron: These neurons are responsible for conveying an action potential into the central nervous system (CNS) through either cranial or spinal nerves.
Motor Neuron: These neurons convey action potentials away from the central nervous system (CNS) to reach effectors, which are categorized as either muscles or glands.
Interneuron: Also known as association neurons, these are located entirely within the central nervous system (CNS). They are positioned between sensory neurons and motor neurons to facilitate communication and processing.

Multipolar Neuron: This is the most common structural type; most neurons residing in the brain and spinal cord belong to this category.
Bipolar Neuron: These neurons possess exactly one main dendrite and one axon. They are specialized for certain senses and are found in the eye, the ear, and olfactory (smell) areas.
Unipolar Neuron: A neuron characterized by a short, single process extending from the cell body. In these neurons, the dendrites primarily function as sensory receptors.

Synapse: The functional junction or point of contact where communication occurs between two neurons, or between a neuron and an effector cell (such as a muscle or gland).
Neurotransmitter: These are specific molecules housed within axon terminals. They are released into the synaptic cleft to transmit signals to the post-synaptic cell.