Pyramidal cell

Pyramidal cell

Pyramidal cells, or pyramidal neurons, are a type of neuron found in areas of the brain including the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Pyramidal cells are the primary excitation units of the mammalian prefrontal cortex and the corticospinal tract.

Structure

Pyramidal cells are named for their pyramid-like shape, and are among the largest neurons in the brain. They have a single axon and several dendrites, and are classified as multipolar neurons. The axon will often travel a great distance, from the cortex to the spinal cord, for example, while the dendrites are confined to the vicinity of the cell body.

Function

Pyramidal cells are involved in many different functions, depending on where in the brain they are located. In the cerebral cortex, they are involved in cognitive functions, while in the hippocampus, they are involved in memory and learning. In the amygdala, they are involved in emotional responses.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in pyramidal cells have been implicated in a number of neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's disease, for example, pyramidal cells in the hippocampus are one of the first types of cells to be damaged.

See also

• Neuron
• Cerebral cortex
• Hippocampus
• Amygdala

References

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  Golgi-stained pyramidal cell

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  Diagram of a pyramidal cell

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  GFP-labeled neuron

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  Hippocampal pyramidal cell

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  Layer V pyramidal cell from mouse visual cortex