NEURON

Neurons are branching cells; cell processes that may be quiet long extend from the nucleus-containing cell body; also contributing to nervous tissue are nonexcitable supporting cells

Function:
Transmit electrical signals from sensory receptors and to effectors (muscle and glands) that control their activity

Location:
Brain, spinal cord, and nerves

FIVE TYPES OF NEURON

Unipolar (pseudounipolar) – single, short process
Multipolar – three or more processes
Pyramidal – neurons with a pyramidal shaped cell body (soma) and two distinct dendritic trees
Bipolar – two processes (axon and dendrite)
Purkinje – have multiple dendrites that fan out from the cell body

ASTROCYTES

– Star-shaped cells
– Processes have expanded ends that attach to the walls of blood capillaries
– Control the chemical environment of the brain (forming blood-brain barrier)

MICROGLIA

– Spiderlike phagocytes (white blood cells)
– Dispose of debris like dead brains cells and bacteria