Bacterial morphology refers to the shape and structure of bacteria, which can be classified into several categories. Common shapes include cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral-shaped). These shapes can influence how bacteria interact with their environment and how they are identified in laboratory settings. In addition to shape, bacterial morphology also includes characteristics like size, arrangement, and the presence of structures such as flagella (for movement) and fimbriae (for attachment). Understanding these features is essential for microbiologists in diagnosing infections and studying bacterial behavior.