Identify the Two Basic Types of Cells in Nervous Tissue

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The two basic types of cells in nervous tissue are neurons and glial cells (also known as neuroglia).

1. Neurons: These are the principal cells responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the nervous system. Neurons are highly specialized for communication and consist of three main parts: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon. The cell body contains the nucleus and other organelles; dendrites receive signals from other neurons; and the axon transmits signals to other neurons, muscle cells, or glands. Neurons are classified based on their function as sensory neurons, motor neurons, or interneurons.

2. Glial Cells: These cells provide support and protection for neurons. They are more numerous than neurons and do not conduct electrical impulses. Instead, they play a role in maintaining homeostasis, forming myelin, providing support and protection for neurons, and participating in signal transmission in the nervous system. There are several types of glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, and microglia, each with a specific function in the nervous system. For example, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells are responsible for myelinating axons in the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively, which increases the speed of electrical signal transmission.

Together, neurons and glial cells make up the complex network of the nervous system, allowing for the coordination of a wide range of functions from simple reflexes to complex cognitive processes.

Identify the Two Basic Types of Cells in Nervous Tissue

Definitions: