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)

CNS neurons

Piramidinis neuronas | Pyramidenzelle