Pyramidal neurons

Question 1

What are pyramidal neurons, and where are they primarily found in the mammalian brain?

Answer 1

Pyramidal neurons, also known as pyramidal cells, serve as the primary excitation units in the mammalian prefrontal cortex and the corticospinal tract. They are found in forebrain structures like the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala but are absent in the olfactory bulbs, striatum, midbrain, hindbrain, or spinal cord.

Question 2

What are the common morphological features shared by pyramidal neurons?

Answer 2

A pyramidal (triangular) cell body, two distinct dendritic trees (basal and apical), and the presence of dendritic spines on both dendrites. They typically have a single axon that emerges from the base of the soma.