Structure of a motor and sensory neuron

Structure of a Motor & Sensory Neuron

Motor Neurons

Sensory Neurons

Carry impulses from the central nervous system to the effector

Carry impulses from the sensory receptors to the central nervous system

What is a neuron?

A neuron is a specialized cell that transmits nerve impulses

Characteristics:

Structural Classification

Structural Classification

• extreme longevity
• conducts messages
• amitotic
• high metabolic rate

Bipolar neurons: one axon & one dendrite; rare in adults; special sense organs

Multipolar neurons: many extensions from the cell body

unipolar neurons: have a short, single process leaving the cell body

All neurons have:

cell bodies: nucleus and metabolic center of the cell

Processes: fibers that extend from the cell body