Unipolar neuron: Difference between revisions

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Unipolar Neuron

A unipolar neuron is a type of neuron in which only one neurite extends from the cell body. This single process often branches into two distinct structures: one functioning as a dendrite and the other as an axon. Unipolar neurons are primarily found in the nervous system of invertebrates, although they also appear in the dorsal root ganglia of vertebrates.

Structure

Unipolar neurons are characterized by their unique structure, which distinguishes them from other types of neurons such as bipolar and multipolar neurons. The single process that emerges from the cell body divides into two branches: one that extends towards the central nervous system and another that extends towards the periphery. This configuration allows unipolar neurons to efficiently transmit sensory information from the periphery to the central nervous system.

Function

Unipolar neurons are primarily involved in the transmission of sensory information. They are commonly associated with the somatosensory system, where they play a crucial role in conveying information about touch, temperature, and pain from the body to the brain. The unique structure of unipolar neurons allows for rapid signal transmission, which is essential for the quick processing of sensory stimuli.

Distribution

In vertebrates, unipolar neurons are predominantly found in the dorsal root ganglia, where they serve as primary sensory neurons. In invertebrates, such as arthropods and annelids, unipolar neurons are more widespread and can be found throughout the nervous system.

Unipolar neurons in the nervous system of an onychophoran.

Related Pages

References

Eric R.,

 Principles of Neural Science, 
  
 McGraw-Hill, 
 2013, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0071390118,

Purves, Dale,

 Neuroscience, 
 Sinauer Associates, 
 2012,
 Vol. 5th edition,

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-'''Unipolar neuron''' is a type of [[neuron]] that has only one extension, or process, from the [[cell body]]. This single process branches in a T-shaped manner into two lines. Unipolar neurons are also known as pseudounipolar neurons due to their initial bipolar appearance during development. They are primarily found in the [[peripheral nervous system]], where they function as [[sensory neurons]].
+== Unipolar Neuron ==
+A '''unipolar neuron''' is a type of [[neuron]] in which only one [[neurite]] extends from the cell body. This single process often branches into two distinct structures: one functioning as a dendrite and the other as an axon. Unipolar neurons are primarily found in the [[nervous system]] of invertebrates, although they also appear in the [[dorsal root ganglia]] of vertebrates.
+[[File:Neurons uni bi multi pseudouni.svg|thumb|Diagram showing different types of neurons, including unipolar neurons.]]
 == Structure ==
-The structure of a unipolar neuron is unique compared to other types of neurons. It has a single process that extends from the cell body and then splits into two branches. One branch, the peripheral process, carries sensory information from the body's periphery to the cell body. The other branch, the central process, carries this information from the cell body to the [[spinal cord]] or [[brain]].
+Unipolar neurons are characterized by their unique structure, which distinguishes them from other types of neurons such as [[bipolar neuron|bipolar]] and [[multipolar neuron|multipolar neurons]]. The single process that emerges from the cell body divides into two branches: one that extends towards the [[central nervous system]] and another that extends towards the [[periphery]]. This configuration allows unipolar neurons to efficiently transmit sensory information from the periphery to the central nervous system.
 == Function ==
-Unipolar neurons function as sensory neurons, transmitting sensory information from the body's periphery to the central nervous system. They are responsible for transmitting a variety of sensory information, including touch, temperature, pain, and proprioceptive signals.
+Unipolar neurons are primarily involved in the transmission of sensory information. They are commonly associated with the [[somatosensory system]], where they play a crucial role in conveying information about touch, temperature, and pain from the body to the brain. The unique structure of unipolar neurons allows for rapid signal transmission, which is essential for the quick processing of sensory stimuli.
-== Development ==
+== Distribution ==
-Unipolar neurons are initially bipolar during development, with two processes extending from the cell body. However, as development progresses, these two processes fuse into a single process that later branches in a T-shaped manner. This unique developmental process gives rise to the unipolar neuron's distinctive structure.
+In vertebrates, unipolar neurons are predominantly found in the [[dorsal root ganglia]], where they serve as primary sensory neurons. In invertebrates, such as [[arthropods]] and [[annelids]], unipolar neurons are more widespread and can be found throughout the nervous system.
-== Clinical significance ==
+[[File:Unipolar-neurons-onychophora.jpg|thumb|Unipolar neurons in the nervous system of an onychophoran.]]
-Damage to unipolar neurons can result in sensory deficits, as these neurons play a crucial role in transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system. Conditions such as [[peripheral neuropathy]] and [[diabetic neuropathy]] can affect unipolar neurons, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected areas.
+== Related Pages ==
-== See also ==
+* [[Neuron]]
+* [[Bipolar neuron]]
+* [[Multipolar neuron]]
+* [[Dorsal root ganglion]]
+* [[Somatosensory system]]
-* [[Neuron]]
+== References ==
-* [[Sensory neuron]]
-* [[Peripheral nervous system]]
+* {{cite book |last=Kandel |first=Eric R. |title=Principles of Neural Science |year=2013 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |isbn=978-0071390118}}
-* [[Central nervous system]]
+* {{cite journal |last=Purves |first=Dale |title=Neuroscience |journal=Sinauer Associates |year=2012 |volume=5th edition}}
-* [[Peripheral neuropathy]]
-* [[Diabetic neuropathy]]
 [[Category:Neurons]]
-[[Category:Nervous system]]
-[[Category:Neuroscience]]
-{{neuroscience-stub}}