Question

There are many different kinds of neurons in the cerebral cortex but most fall into one of two basic categories pyramidal cells and stellate cells. What are the morphologic differences between these two categories and what do these differences tell us about the functional properties of neurons within them?

Answer 1

There are two types of neurons in cerebrsl cortex pyramidal cells which are in the shape of pyramide and stellate cells which have star shape.
Stellate cells may be spinous or aspinous. Pyramidal cells are always spinous. Pyramidal cells are conical and have a single axon, a large apical dendrite, multiple basal dendrites, and the presence of dendritic spines.

Pyramidal cells form the corticospinal tract and helps in cognitive functions such as visual recognition.
Stellate cells sends inhibitiry signals.