What is the Difference Between Unipolar and Pseudounipolar Neuron?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Unipolar and pseudounipolar neurons are two types of neurons that share some similarities but have distinct differences. Here are the main differences between them:
- Definition: A unipolar neuron has one protoplasmic process extending from its soma, while a pseudounipolar neuron develops as a bipolar neuron but eventually merges to form a unipolar neuron.
- Found in: Unipolar neurons are mainly found in invertebrates, while pseudounipolar neurons are found in both vertebrates and invertebrates.
- Length of Axon: The axonal process in unipolar neurons is relatively longer, while in pseudounipolar neurons, the axonal process is relatively shorter.
- Presence of Dendrites: Unipolar neurons usually have dendrites that receive incoming electrical impulses, while dendrites are usually not present in pseudounipolar neurons.
Both unipolar and pseudounipolar neurons are sensory in nature and involved in transmitting information. Unipolar neurons are typically present in the periphery of the brain in insects and as unipolar brush cells in the cerebellum of vertebrates. Pseudounipolar neurons are located in the sensory ganglia of cranial nerves and are involved in receiving and transmitting sensory information.
Comparative Table: Unipolar vs Pseudounipolar Neuron
Here is a table comparing the differences between unipolar and pseudounipolar neurons:
Feature | Unipolar Neuron | Pseudounipolar Neuron |
---|---|---|
Definition | A neuron with one process extending from its soma. | A neuron that develops as a bipolar neuron but eventually merges to form a unipolar neuron. |
Found in | Majorly found in invertebrates. | Found in both vertebrates and invertebrates. |
Length of Axon | The axonal process is relatively longer. | The axonal process is relatively shorter. |
Presence of Dendrites | The dendrites receive the incoming electrical impulses. | Dendrites are usually not present. |
Unipolar neurons are primarily found in invertebrates and are used to stimulate muscles or glands. Pseudounipolar neurons, on the other hand, are sensory in nature and are found in both vertebrates and invertebrates. They are located in the sensory ganglia of cranial nerves and play a role in transmitting sensory information.
- Multipolar Bipolar vs Unipolar Neurons
- Presynaptic Neuron vs Postsynaptic Neuron
- Preganglionic vs Postganglionic Neurons
- Nerve vs Neuron
- Myelinated vs Unmyelinated Axons
- Bipolar Cells vs Ganglion Cells
- Glial Cells vs Neurons
- Axons vs Dendrites
- Neurons vs Neuroglia
- Neurons vs Neurotransmitters
- Sensory vs Motor Neurons
- Depolarization vs Hyperpolarization
- Nephron vs Neuron
- Neural vs Neuronal
- Upper vs Lower Motor Neuron
- Oligodendrocytes vs Schwann Cells
- Myelinated vs Unmyelinated Nerve Fibres
- Neurilemma vs Myelin Sheath
- Depolarization vs Repolarization