How do unipolar neurons differ from bipolar and multipolar neurons?

Unipolar neurons are characterized by having a single elongated process that emerges from the cell body, which typically divides into two branches: one functioning as an axon and the other as a dendrite. This unique structure allows the main cell body to be positioned at the junction where the axon and the dendrite split.

In contrast to bipolar neurons, which have one axon and one dendrite, or multipolar neurons that possess one axon and multiple dendrites, unipolar neurons simplify the pathway for signal transmission. This structural arrangement is especially common in sensory neurons found in the peripheral nervous system, where they help relay information like touch and pain to the central nervous system. While unipolar neurons do allow for the rapid transmission of signals, their primary distinction lies in their single-process, split structure, which directly relates to option B being the most accurate choice.