# Pyramidal Neurons in the Brain

Pyramidal neurons are a type of nerve cell distributed throughout the brain, accounting for about 80% of the neurons in the cortex. They are named for their pyramid-like shape and are primarily glutamatergic, meaning they use glutamate as their neurotransmitter. They are typically excitatory neurons, meaning they stimulate other neurons to fire.

## Structure

The structure of pyramidal neurons consists of a soma (cell body), an axon, and dendrites. The soma has a pyramidal shape, and the dendrites include one long apical dendrite and several shorter basal dendrites that branch off.

## Location

Pyramidal neurons are found in various parts of the nervous system, including:

1. **Brain Cortex**: They are found in five of the six layers of the cerebral cortex, particularly in the third and fifth layers.
2. **Motor Cortex**: They are linked to motor control and are abundant in the motor cortex. Betz cells, a type of giant pyramidal neuron, carry motor information from the brain to the spinal cord.
3. **Prefrontal Cortex**: They are the primary excitation neurons of the prefrontal cortex, participating in numerous functions and considered crucial for behavior control.
4. **Corticospinal Tract**: They are visible along the corticospinal tract, which sends motor information from the brain to the motor neurons that generate muscle contraction.
5. **Hippocampus**: They are found in the hippocampus, which is linked to memory and orientation.
6. **Amygdala**: They are also found in the amygdala, an area of the limbic system linked to emotional memory.

## Functions

Pyramidal neurons play a significant role in various functions:

1. **Movement**: They are deeply associated with the voluntary motor control of the muscles.
2. **Cognition and Executive Functions**: Their excitatory role in the prefrontal cortex links their activation to significant cognitive processes like executive functions.
3. **Emotion**: Their activity in the prefrontal cortex is linked to the connection of these areas with different subcortical regions, including the limbic system.
4. **Memory and Orientation**: They are greatly activated in memory and special orientation functions, particularly those in the hippocampus.

## References

- [Pyramidal neurons: functions and location in the brain - yes, therapy helps!](https://en.yestherapyhelps.com/pyramidal-neurons-functions-and-location-in-the-brain-14195)
- [Pyramidal neurons - Cell Press](https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822%2811%2901198-5.pdf)
- [Pyramidal neurons: Current Biology - Cell Press](https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(11)01198-5)

## Further Reading

- [How to prevent cognitive deterioration?](https://en.yestherapyhelps.com/how-to-prevent-cognitive-deterioration-10783)
- [Neuronal migration: this is how nerve cells move](https://en.yestherapyhelps.com/neuronal-migration-this-is-how-nerve-cells-move-14268)
- [REM sleep phase: what is it and why is it fascinating?](https://en.yestherapyhelps.com/rem-sleep-phase-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-fascinating-14011)
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