Nervous tissue

Definition

Nervous tissue is a specialized type of tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, responsible for transmitting and processing information throughout the body. This tissue is crucial for coordinating bodily functions and responding to internal and external stimuli, playing a key role in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating communication between different parts of the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nervous tissue is composed mainly of two cell types: neurons and glial cells, with neurons being responsible for signal transmission.
2. Glial cells outnumber neurons and play essential roles in supporting and protecting neurons, as well as maintaining homeostasis within nervous tissue.
3. Neurons communicate through electrical impulses and neurotransmitter release at synapses, allowing for rapid signaling across long distances.
4. Different types of neurons exist, including sensory neurons (which transmit signals from sensory receptors), motor neurons (which send signals to muscles), and interneurons (which connect other neurons).
5. Nervous tissue is essential for reflex actions, which are rapid, automatic responses to specific stimuli that help protect the body from harm.

Review Questions

• Explain the roles of neurons and glial cells within nervous tissue.
  • Neurons are the key players in nervous tissue, responsible for transmitting electrical signals that allow for communication between different parts of the body. They detect stimuli and relay information to other neurons or muscle cells. Glial cells support neurons by providing structural support, nourishment, and protection from pathogens. They also play critical roles in maintaining the environment around neurons and facilitating signal transmission.
• Discuss how synapses function in the transmission of signals between neurons.
  • Synapses are crucial for communication between neurons as they act as junctions where signals are transmitted. When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These chemicals then bind to receptors on the adjacent neuron, generating a new electrical signal if the threshold is met. This process allows for rapid communication across complex networks of neurons.
• Analyze how nervous tissue contributes to homeostasis in the body.
  • Nervous tissue plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by constantly monitoring internal and external conditions and facilitating appropriate responses. For example, sensory neurons detect changes like temperature or pain and send signals to the central nervous system. In response, motor neurons may trigger muscle contractions or glandular secretions to adjust bodily functions. This intricate communication network ensures that the body can respond quickly to changes, maintaining a stable internal environment.

Related terms

Neurons: The primary functional cells of nervous tissue, responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the body.

Glial cells: Supportive cells in nervous tissue that provide protection, nourishment, and maintenance for neurons.

Synapse:

The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted from one neuron to another through chemical signals.