Pseudounipolar cells
Pseudounipolar Cells
Pseudounipolar cells (pronunciation: soo-doh-yoo-ni-po-lar cells) are a type of neuron that have a single process emerging from the cell body, which later branches into two axonal roots. The term "pseudounipolar" is derived from the Greek words "pseudo", meaning false, and "unipolar", meaning having one pole or process.
Structure
Pseudounipolar cells have a unique structure compared to other types of neurons. They have a single, short process that extends from the cell body and divides into two long branches. One branch, known as the peripheral process, carries sensory information from the body's periphery to the cell body. The other branch, known as the central process, carries this information from the cell body to the spinal cord or brain.
Function
The primary function of pseudounipolar cells is to transmit sensory information from the body's periphery to the central nervous system. This includes information about touch, temperature, pain, and body position. Because of their unique structure, pseudounipolar cells are able to bypass the cell body when transmitting this information, which allows for faster signal transmission.
Related Terms
- Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
- Sensory neuron: A type of neuron responsible for converting external stimuli into internal electrical impulses.
- Axon: A long, slender projection of a nerve cell that typically conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.
- Dendrite: A short branched extension of a nerve cell, along which impulses received from other cells at synapses are transmitted to the cell body.
Etymology
The term "pseudounipolar" is derived from the Greek words "pseudo", meaning false, and "unipolar", meaning having one pole or process. This refers to the unique structure of these cells, which have a single process that divides into two branches.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pseudounipolar cells
- Wikipedia's article - Pseudounipolar cells
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