Neurons (nerve cells) are cells that are intended to generate and conduct excitation, they are integrated into communicative networks

Neurons include the nerve cell body and cell processes; neurons are classified depending on the number of processes:

• unipolar neurons have one cell process
• pseudounipolar neurons show a cell process that branches off from its cell body and then divides into two lines as the letter "T"
• bipolar neurons give rise to two cell processes branching off different cell poles
• multipolar neurons contain three or more cell processes

According to their function in neuronal networks, nerve cells are classified into sensory neurons (afferent), motor neurons (efferent), associative neurons, and also neurosecretory neurons

The glia is a complex of specialized cells that exert a number of functions to ensure vital neuronal activity

Main types:

• macroglia (astroglia, ependymal glia, oligodendroglia)
• microglia (glial macrophages)

The embryonic origin of nerve tissue cells is the neuroectoderm, except for cells of microglia (mesenchyme)