Which description best defines a bipolar neuron?

• A. A neuron with a single process that emerges from the cell body and then bifurcates into peripheral and central branches
• B. A neuron with one axon and one dendrite extending from opposite sides of the cell body
• C. A neuron with one axon and multiple dendrites extending from the cell body
• D. A neuron with many processes, including multiple axons and multiple dendrites, extending from the cell body

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of neurons by reviewing the types of processes that extend from the cell body, including axons and dendrites.
2. Step 2: Recall that a bipolar neuron specifically has two distinct processes: one axon and one dendrite, each extending from opposite sides of the cell body.
3. Step 3: Compare this to other neuron types, such as unipolar neurons (which have a single process that bifurcates) and multipolar neurons (which have one axon and multiple dendrites).
4. Step 4: Identify that the description 'a neuron with one axon and one dendrite extending from opposite sides of the cell body' matches the defining characteristic of a bipolar neuron.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best definition of a bipolar neuron is the one describing it as having one axon and one dendrite extending from opposite sides of the cell body.