Topic 19: Nervous System - Neuron Classification

Question 1

What is the structural/anatomical way of classifying neurons?

Answer 1

based on number of cell processes off of cell body

Question 2

What is a unipolar neuron? (2)

Answer 2

• 1 process that divides into 2

Question 3

Which divisions are unipolar found? (2)

Answer 3

• CNS and PNS
• always sensory

Question 4

Explain how peripheral system is unipolar (2)

Answer 4

• peripheral end has dentrites = sensory receptors (pain, touch, etc.)
• remainder is axon

Question 5

What are bipolar neurons? (3)

Answer 5

• 2 processes:
• 1 axon
• 1 process with dendrites

Question 6

What type of neurons are bipolar neurons? (2)

Answer 6

• sensory
  ex. retina, nose (olfaction)

Question 7

What are multipolar neurons? (3)

Answer 7

• 3 or more processes
• 1 axon
• many dendrites

Question 8

Which neurons are multipolar?

Answer 8

• interneurons
• motor neurons

Question 9

what is the functional way of classifying neurons?

Answer 9

• based on direction of impulse conduction

Question 10

Name the 3 functional neuron names

Answer 10

1. sensory/afferent
2. interneurons
3. efferent/motors

Question 11

What is the functional classification of sensory/afferent neurons? (2)

Answer 11

• mostly unipolar
• from sensory receptors to CNS

Question 12

What is the functional classification of interneurons? (3)

Answer 12

• within CNS between sensory and motor
• 99% of neurons
• mostly multipolar

Question 13

What is the functional classification of motor/efferent neurons? (2)

Answer 13

CNS to effectors
- all multipolar