Question

describe the three types of neurons based on their structure. describe three types of neurons based on their functions.

Answer 1

Neurons are cells within the nervous system that transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.

Three types of neurons based on their structure are:-

1. Unipolar neurons- Unipolar neurons have a single, short process that extends from the cell body and then branches into two more processes that extend in opposite directions. They are found primarily in the afferent division of the PNS.
2. Bipolar neurons- Bipolar neurons have only two processes that extend in opposite directions from the cell body. One process is called a dendrite and another process is called the axon. These are found in the retina of the eye and the olfactory system.
3. Multipolar neurons- Multipolar neurons have three or more processes that extend out from the cell body. They comprise of more than 99% of the neurons in humans. They are found in the CNS and the efferent division of the PNS.

Three types of neurons based on their location are:-

1. Sensory neurons- Sensory neurons (also called afferent neurons) transmit information from sensory receptors in the skin or the internal organs toward the CNS for processing. Almost all sensory neurons are unipolar.
2. Motor neurons- Motor (also called efferent neurons) transmit information away from the CNS toward some type of effector. Motor neurons are typically multipolar.
3. Interneurons- Interneurons are located between motor and sensory pathways. They are highly involved in signal integration. They are mostly confined within the CNS.