EXERCISE 14 REVIEW SHEET NERVOUS TISSUE - trunking

Exercise 14 Review: Understanding Nervous Tissue

Exercise 14 typically focuses on nervous tissue, a fundamental component of the nervous system responsible for communication and control within the body. It's crucial to understand its structure, types of cells, and their functions to grasp how the nervous system operates. This review will cover the key elements you need to know.

Components of Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is primarily composed of two main types of cells: neurons and neuroglia (also called glial cells). Neurons are the functional units that transmit electrical signals, while neuroglia provide support, insulation, and protection for the neurons.

Neurons

Neurons have a distinct structure that enables them to transmit signals effectively. Key parts include:

• Cell body (soma): Contains the nucleus and other organelles.
• Dendrites: Branch-like extensions that receive signals from other neurons.
• Axon: A long, slender projection that transmits signals away from the cell body.
• Axon terminals: Branches at the end of the axon that release neurotransmitters to communicate with other cells.

Neurons are classified based on their function (sensory, motor, interneurons) and structure (unipolar, bipolar, multipolar).

Neuroglia

Neuroglia are essential support cells that play various roles in maintaining the health and function of neurons. Different types of neuroglia include:

• Astrocytes: Provide structural support, regulate the chemical environment, and form the blood-brain barrier.
• Oligodendrocytes: Form myelin sheaths around axons in the central nervous system (CNS), increasing the speed of signal transmission.
• Schwann cells: Form myelin sheaths around axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Myelin is crucial for efficient nerve impulse propagation.
• Microglia: Act as immune cells in the CNS, removing debris and pathogens.
• Ependymal cells: Line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). exercise 10 the appendicular skeleton

Organization of Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is organized into different structures within the nervous system. In the central nervous system (CNS), it forms the brain and spinal cord. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), it forms nerves and ganglia. exercise 10 the appendicular skeleton review sheet

• Nerves: Bundles of axons surrounded by connective tissue.
• Ganglia: Clusters of neuron cell bodies located outside the CNS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main function of nervous tissue?

A: The main function is to transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body, enabling communication and control of various bodily functions.

Q: What are the differences between neurons and neuroglia?

A: Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals, while neuroglia provide support, insulation, and protection for neurons.

Q: What is the role of myelin in nervous tissue?

A: Myelin insulates axons, increasing the speed of signal transmission.

Q: Where are astrocytes found and what do they do? exercise 15 review sheet

A: Astrocytes are found in the CNS and provide structural support, regulate the chemical environment, and form the blood-brain barrier.

Q: What are the different types of neurons?

A: Neurons are classified as sensory, motor, or interneurons based on their function, and unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar based on their structure.

Summary

Understanding the structure and function of nervous tissue is crucial for comprehending how the nervous system controls and coordinates bodily functions. By mastering the different types of cells (neurons and neuroglia) and their organization, you'll be well-equipped to tackle more complex concepts in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.