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Nervous tissue

Nervous tissue, also called neural tissue, is the main tissue component of the nervous system. The nervous system regulates and controls body functions and activity. It consists of two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) comprising the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprising the branching peripheral nerves. It is composed of neurons, also known as nerve cells, which receive and transmit impulses, and neuroglia, also known as glial cells or glia, which assist the propagation of the nerve impulse as well as provide nutrients to the neurons.[1]

Nervous tissue

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Nervous tissue is made up of different types of neurons, all of which have an axon. An axon is the long stem-like part of the cell that sends action potentials to the next cell. Bundles of axons make up the nerves in the PNS and tracts in the CNS.


Functions of the nervous system are sensory input, integration, control of muscles and glands, homeostasis, and mental activity.

(afferent): Relay sensory information in the form of an action potential (nerve impulse) from the PNS to the CNS

Sensory neurons

(efferent): Relay an action potential out of the CNS to the proper effector (muscles, glands)

Motor neurons

: Cells that form connections between neurons and whose processes are limited to a single local area in the brain or spinal cord

Interneurons

Clinical significance[edit]

Tumours[edit]

Neoplasms (tumours) in nervous tissue include: