The dorsal root ganglion contains pseudounipolar sensory neurons.

The dorsal root ganglion contains pseudounipolar sensory neurons.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not sure
• D. Both

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the shape and location of the primary sensory neurons. In the dorsal root ganglion, the cell bodies of primary (sensory) neurons reside, and these neurons are pseudounipolar. That means each neuron has a single process that quickly splits into two branches: a peripheral process that extends toward receptors in the skin, muscles, or viscera, and a central process that enters the spinal cord. The soma sits in the ganglion and typically lacks conventional dendrites; instead, the peripheral branch and the central branch carry signals toward the CNS. This arrangement is a hallmark of DRG neurons, so the statement about the dorsal root ganglion containing pseudounipolar sensory neurons is correct.

The key idea is the shape and location of the primary sensory neurons. In the dorsal root ganglion, the cell bodies of primary (sensory) neurons reside, and these neurons are pseudounipolar. That means each neuron has a single process that quickly splits into two branches: a peripheral process that extends toward receptors in the skin, muscles, or viscera, and a central process that enters the spinal cord. The soma sits in the ganglion and typically lacks conventional dendrites; instead, the peripheral branch and the central branch carry signals toward the CNS. This arrangement is a hallmark of DRG neurons, so the statement about the dorsal root ganglion containing pseudounipolar sensory neurons is correct.