The neuronal architecture of the dorsal nucleus of the Northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens pipiens), which is a homolog of the cochlear nucleus of mammals and birds, was investigated. Our study showed that the frog dorsal nucleus contains a number of morphologically distinct cell types that are discernible in terms of the cellular architecture as derived from Nissl-stained material and in terms of the dendritic profile as revealed by horseradish peroxidase-filled single neurons. These cell types are bushy cells, bipolar (or fusiform) cells, octopus cells, stellate cells, giant cells, radiate (or round) cells, and a variety of small cells. The different cell types occupy different regions of the nucleus. Therefore, our results suggest that the dorsal nucleus should no longer be considered to be a uniform nucleus containing a homogeneous population of neurons. Homologies of these cell types with those described in other vertebrate species, including mammals, are proposed.