Biology: Nervous Tissue Functions and Structure

Functions of Nervous Tissue

• Controls and coordinates body functions
• Interprets and responds to sensory information
• Facilitates communication between different parts of the body
• Enables learning, memory, and behavior

Types of Nervous Tissue

• Neurons (nerve cells): responsible for transmitting information
• Neuroglia (glial cells): provide support, protection, and maintenance for neurons

Structure of a Neuron

• Dendrites: receive signals from other neurons
• Cell body: contains the nucleus and maintains the cell
• Axon: carries signals away from the cell body
• Terminal buttons: release neurotransmitters to transmit signals

Neurotransmission

• Synapse: gap between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite of another
• Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers released by terminal buttons to transmit signals
• Receptors: specialized proteins on the surface of dendrites that bind to neurotransmitters

Action Potential

• Resting potential: -70mV, due to higher concentration of K+ ions inside the cell and Na+ ions outside
• Threshold potential: -55mV, when the neuron becomes excited
• Depolarization: rapid increase in voltage due to influx of Na+ ions
• Repolarization: rapid decrease in voltage due to efflux of K+ ions
• Refractory period: period during which the neuron cannot generate another action potential

Types of Neurotransmitters

• Excitatory: increase the likelihood of an action potential (e.g. glutamate, aspartate)
• Inhibitory: decrease the likelihood of an action potential (e.g. GABA, glycine)
• Modulatory: influence the strength of synaptic transmission (e.g. dopamine, serotonin)

Neurophysiological Processes

• Sensory transduction: conversion of sensory stimuli into electrical signals
• Synaptic plasticity: modification of synaptic strength based on experience
• Neurogenesis: growth and development of new neurons

Functions of Nervous Tissue

• Controls and coordinates body functions, such as movement, sensation, and cognitive processes
• Interprets and responds to sensory information from the environment
• Facilitates communication between different parts of the body, enabling integrated functioning
• Enables learning, memory, and behavior through complex neural processes

Types of Nervous Tissue

• Neurons (nerve cells): transmit information through electrical and chemical signals
• Neuroglia (glial cells): provide structural support, protection, and maintenance functions for neurons

Structure of a Neuron

• Dendrites: receive signals from other neurons, allowing for integration of multiple inputs
• Cell body: contains the nucleus, maintains the cell, and coordinates neuronal activity
• Axon: carries signals away from the cell body, enabling long-distance communication
• Terminal buttons: release neurotransmitters, transmitting signals to other neurons or cells

Neurotransmission

• Synapse: small gap between neurons, allowing for chemical communication
• Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers released by terminal buttons, binding to receptors on adjacent neurons
• Receptors: specialized proteins on the surface of dendrites, recognizing and responding to neurotransmitters

Action Potential

• Resting potential: -70mV, maintained by the balance of potassium and sodium ions
• Threshold potential: -55mV, when the neuron becomes excited and generates an action potential
• Depolarization: rapid increase in voltage due to influx of sodium ions, triggering the action potential
• Repolarization: rapid decrease in voltage due to efflux of potassium ions, restoring the resting state
• Refractory period: period during which the neuron cannot generate another action potential, ensuring proper signaling

Types of Neurotransmitters

• Excitatory: increase the likelihood of an action potential, such as glutamate and aspartate
• Inhibitory: decrease the likelihood of an action potential, such as GABA and glycine
• Modulatory: influence the strength of synaptic transmission, such as dopamine and serotonin

Neurophysiological Processes

• Sensory transduction: conversion of sensory stimuli into electrical signals, enabling perception and response
• Synaptic plasticity: modification of synaptic strength based on experience, enabling learning and memory
• Neurogenesis: growth and development of new neurons, occurring throughout life

Learn about the roles and types of nervous tissue, as well as the structure of neurons, including dendrites and more.