types of nerves

Types of Neurons

Both structural and functional classifications of neurons are possible. The three categories of functional classification for neurons are based on the way that they transmit electrical impulses. Which are:

• Sensory Neurons
  • From every area of the body, sensory neurons send signals to the spinal cord and brain. Additionally known as afferent neurons
• Motor Neurons
  • In the opposite direction, away from the brain and spinal cord, motor neurons send signals. They exclusively transmit impulses to two types of tissue: muscle and glandular epithelial tissue, not to other sections of the body. Additionally known as efferent neurons.
• Mixed Neurons
  • Consists of nerves outside the spinal cord, such as those that are sensory and motor.
• Interneurons
  • Motor neurons get impulses from sensory neurons through interneurons. They are known as linking or central neurons.

Based on a variety of cell body processes

• Unipolar Neuron
  • Neurons with only one process are referred to as unipolar neurons. Axon and dendrite both develop from the same process. In humans, this type of nerve cell is only present during the embryonic stage.
• Bipolar Neuron
  • Bipolar neurons are those with two processes. Dendrites and axons grow from opposite poles, respectively.
• Multipolar Neuron
  • Multipolar neurons are those that have a variety of processes. All but one of the poles give rise to dendrites, whereas one of the poles produces an axon.
• Pseudo-Unipolar Neuron
  • Although it is actually bipolar, two processes are combined to create one process during development.