Which cell type is indicated by the yellow arrow?

Which cell type is indicated by the yellow arrow?

• A. Pyramidal Cell
• B. Chondrocyte
• C. Osteoclast
• D. Neuron

Answer: (A)

Recognize the shape and dendrite pattern. A pyramidal cell has a triangular or pyramidal soma with a single long apical dendrite that extends toward the cortical surface, plus multiple basal dendrites. This distinctive morphology is what the arrow highlights, marking a cortical neuron that is typically excitatory. Chondrocytes live in cartilage lacunae and look roundish within extracellular matrix, not like a neuron. Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated bone-resorbing cells seen on bone surfaces, not in neural tissue. While neurons are the broad category, the specific pyramidal form is identified by that triangular body and an apical dendrite, which is why this is the best match.

Recognize the shape and dendrite pattern. A pyramidal cell has a triangular or pyramidal soma with a single long apical dendrite that extends toward the cortical surface, plus multiple basal dendrites. This distinctive morphology is what the arrow highlights, marking a cortical neuron that is typically excitatory.

Chondrocytes live in cartilage lacunae and look roundish within extracellular matrix, not like a neuron. Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated bone-resorbing cells seen on bone surfaces, not in neural tissue. While neurons are the broad category, the specific pyramidal form is identified by that triangular body and an apical dendrite, which is why this is the best match.