Pyramidal cell
Various forms of nerve cells. A. Pyramidal cell. B. Small multipolar cell, in which the axon quickly divides into numerous branches. C. Small fusiform cell. D and E. Ganglion cells
Latin	'
Gray's	subject #183 722
System
MeSH	A11.671.790
Pyramidal cell from the cerebral cortex of a mouse.

A pyramidal cell (or pyramidal neuron, or projection neuron) is a multipolar neuron located in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. These cells have a triangularly shaped soma, or cell body, a single apical dendrite extending towards the pial surface, multiple basal dendrites, and a single axon. Pyramidal neurons compose approximately 80% of the neurons of the cortex, and release glutamate as their neurotransmitter, making them the major excitatory component of the cortex (see synapse).

In the primary motor cortex, layer V pyramidal cells are extremely large. These cells are called Betz cells.

See also

• Cerebral cortex
• Pyramidal tract

External links

• Diagram
• Image
• Diagram (as part of slideshow)

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