Classification of Neurons (Exam 3) Flashcards
This flashcard deck was created using Flashcardlet's card creator
Multipolar neurons
3 or more processes coming from the cell body
Most common type
ALL stomatic efferent types
Structural classification
Based on the number of processes coming from the cell body
Multipolar neurons
Bipolar neurons
Unipolar neurons
Bipolar neurons
1 axon and 1 dendrite coming from the cell body (dendrite may branch)
Rare and specialized
Receptors in the retina and olfactory mucosa
Unipolar neurons
1 process coming from the cell body that divides into two branches
Peripheral process
Central process
Most sensory neurons
Peripheral process
Associated with sensory receptors
Central process
Enter the CNS
Functional classification
Baed on the direction the AP travels in relation to the CNS
Sensory/afferent
Internuerons
Motor/efferent
Sensory/afferent
Most are unipolar or bipolar
Transmit APs from sensory receptors in the skin and viscera toward the CNS
Internuerons
Most are multipolar
Live entirely within the CNS
Shuttle signals through e CNS pathways where integration takes place
Make up 99% of the neuronal population
Motor/efferent
All are multipolar
Transmit APs from the CNS to effector organs (muscles and glands)
Two factors that influence the rate of AP conduction
Axon diameter
Degree of myelination
Axon diameter
The larger the diameter the faster the speed of the AP conduction
Large diameter offers less resistance to the electrical flow
Degree of myelination
Myelinated axons exhibit “saltatory conduction”
Unmyelinated axons exhibit “continuous conduction”
Group A fibers
Fastest
Somatic fibers tha there the skin, skeletal muscle, and joints
Largest in diameter
Heavily myelinated
Group B fibers
Autonomic NS/visceral
Intermediate diameter
Lightly/moderately myelinated
