Bipolar neuron

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Illustration of bipolar cells that exist in the retina



A bipolar neuron is a type of neuron that has two extensions, one axon and one dendrite. These neurons are specialized sensory neurons for the transmission of special senses. As such, they are part of the sensory pathways for smell, sight, taste, hearing, and vestibular functions.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Bipolar neurons have a unique structure that distinguishes them from other types of neurons. They possess two distinct processes: one dendrite that receives sensory information and one axon that transmits this information to the central nervous system. The cell body of a bipolar neuron is typically located in the middle of these two processes.

Function[edit | edit source]

Bipolar neurons are primarily involved in the sensory pathways. They play a crucial role in the transmission of sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. For example, in the retina of the eye, bipolar neurons transmit visual information from the photoreceptor cells to the ganglion cells, which then send the information to the brain.

Location[edit | edit source]

Bipolar neurons are found in several sensory organs:

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen