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Neuron Anatomy Neurons are classified according to 2 different characteristics: their morphology (anatomical or structural features) and their function. Although we describe both here, the functional classification will be used predominantly in later units. Functional classification of neurons is based on the direction of information flow along axons relative to the CNS. Based on this criterion, there are 3 types of neurons: sensory neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons. Sensory (afferent) neurons are specialized for detection of sensory information (e.g. light, pressure, vibration, temperature, chemicals, etc.). They transduce physical and chemical stimuli into electrical signals and transfer this information from the periphery towards the central nervous system for processing. In many cases, sensory neurons have their dendrites, soma and a part of their axon residing outside the CNS with axon terminals forming connections (synapses) with other neurons within the CNS. Interneurons (association neurons) are located entirely within the central nervous system (with the dendrites, soma and axons of the cell all residing within the CNS). Interneurons are also referred to as association neurons, in part because they are sandwiched between sensory and motor neurons where they integrate and distribute sensory information and coordinate motor output. Interneurons account for 90% of all neurons of the CNS and therefore are the most numerous neurons in the body. Almost all interneurons are multipolar (see below). Motor (efferent) neurons carry impulses or motor commands away from the central nervous system to effectors/target organs (e.g. muscles and glands). Most motor neurons have dendrites and cell bodies in the CNS and axons that exit the CNS to form peripheral nerves that travel to effectors (targets). The structural classification of neurons is based on the number of processes that extend from the soma. There are 4 basic neuronal structures like those shown in the figure below though there are many subtle variations on each theme. Bipolar neurons have a single dendrite extending from one side of the cell body and a single axon extending from the other side. Bipolar neurons are small cells, typically extending for less than 30 microns from dendrite to axon terminal. There are not many true bipolar cells in the body. A few examples are found in the special sense organs for vision and olfaction (smell). Unipolar or pseudounipolar neurons have a single process that emanates from the cell body. The single process has dendrites on one end and the rest of the process is an axon. Most sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system are unipolar neurons. The dendrites are located in the periphery, where stimuli are detected. The sensory information travels on the dendrite toward the soma (usually located ganglia just outside the CNS). The axon stretches into the CNS at the spinal cord. Multipolar neurons have two or more dendrites on one side and a single axon on the other side of the soma. Multipolar neurons are the most common neurons in the CNS. One example are motor neurons which have dendrites and somas located in the spinal cord and axons that leave the CNS to innervate skeletal muscles. Anaxonic neurons are small, stellate (star-shaped) cells with processes that all look alike with no apparent axon. Anaxonic neurons can be found in the central nervous system, the retina, and in the adrenal medulla. Their functions are not well understood.