Which type of neuron has multiple dendrites and is the most common in the brain and spinal cord?

The most common type of neuron in the brain and spinal cord is the multipolar neuron, which is characterized by having multiple dendrites extending from its cell body. This structural feature allows multipolar neurons to receive input from many other neurons, facilitating complex communication and integration of information throughout the central nervous system. This architecture is particularly conducive to the roles of these neurons in motor control and in processing numerous signals simultaneously in various neural pathways.

Multipolar neurons are also vital in terms of their presence in the cerebral cortex, where they play key roles in higher cognitive functions, as well as in other areas of the nervous system such as the spinal cord, where they contribute to reflex actions and motor output. The density and connectivity of these neurons enable the brain and spinal cord to perform their functions efficiently and effectively.