Multipolar Cells

Multipolar cells of type I. are occasionally spherical or pyramidal in shape, but are usually stellate or polygonal with groups of dendrites passing off from the various angles (Fig. 11).

The point of origin of the axon is marked by a small elevation consisting of clear protoplasm free from pigment or tigroid bodies; this elevation is known as the implantation cone. These cells are the cell bodies of motor neurons, so that the axon is in all cases relatively long.

The cells of type II differ only in the relative length of the axon; in them the axon is short and soon breaks up into branches (Fig. 13).