Structure and function of neurons

• Function of motor neuron:

  • carries messages from CNS to effectors.
• Structure of motor neuron:

  • multipolar (multiple dendrites extend from the cell body). Tend to have short dendrites and long axons.
• diagram Of motor neuron:

  
• Function of relay neuron:

  • transfers messages from sensory neurons to other relay neurons.
  • Assess the situation and decide how to respond to pass messages.
• Relay neuron structure:

  • multipolar - short or long axons and short dendrites.
  • no myelin sheath.
• Relay neuron diagram:

  
• Function of sensory neuron:

  • carries messages about the sensation of a stimulus from the PNS to CNS (brain and spinal cord).
• Structure of sensory neuron:

  • usually unipolar (one neurite extends from the cell body).
  • short axons + long dendrites.
• Diagram of sensory neuron:

  
• A neuron: