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Previously, we've looked at the structure and function of muscle tissue. We now turn our attention to nervous tissue. Nervous tissue is responsible for sensing "stimuli" and transmitting "signals" to and from different parts of an animal.
Neurons Neurons are the basic unit of nervous tissue. As we have previously discussed, structure and function are very much intertwined within biology and the structure of a neuron is uniquely suited to its function within nervous tissue. A neuron consists of two major parts: Cell Body The central cell body contains the neuron's nucleus and associated cytoplasm/organelles. Nerve Processes Nerve processes are "finger-like" projections from the cell body that are able to conduct and transmit signals. There are two types: Axons: Axons typically carry signals away from the cell body. Dendrites: Dendrites typically carry signals toward the cell body. Neurons usually have one axon (can be branched however). Axons usually terminate at a synapse through which the signal is sent to the next cell, most often through a dendrite. Unlike axons, dendrites are usually more numerous, shorter and more branched. As with other structures in organisms, there are exceptions. Bundles of axons and dendrites are called nerves. They are sensory if they consist of dendrites only, motor if they consist of axons only and mixed if they consist of both. Share Your Opinions Have questions about nervous tissue? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions and feelings. Until next time... Previous Features |
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