Structural classification of neurons

Neurons can be structurally classified into three main groups:

Figure 1: Structural Classification of Neurons

1. Unipolar neuron: Only one process extends from the cell body. If the axon that extends from the cell body splits into two branches, the neuron type is called pseudounipolar, as seen in the image above. Most sensory neurons are unipolar.

2. Bipolar neuron: Has two processes (one dendrite and one axon) extending from the cell body. An example is neurons located in the olfactory nerve.

3. Multipolar neuron: Has a single axon and multiple dendrites extending from the cell body. Most interneurons in the central nervous system and motor neurons are multipolar neurons.