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Nervous Tissue
Overview of the Nervous System
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Central Nervous System | Consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are enclosed and protected by the cranium and vertebral column. |
| Peripheral Nervous System | Consists of all the rest; it is composed of nerves and ganglia. |
| Nerve | A bundle of nerve fibers (axons) wrapped in fibrous connective tissue. |
| Ganglion | A knot-like swelling in a nerve where neurone cell bodies are concentrated. |
| What are the three fundamental physiological properties that enable neurons to communicate with other cells ? | 1) excitability, 2) conductivity, and 3) secretion |
| Excitability (irritability) | Respond to environment changes called stimuli. |
| Conductivity | Neurons respond to stimuli by producing electrical signals. |
| Secretion | When electrical signal reaches end of nerve fiber, a chemical neurotransmitter is secreted that crosses the gap and stimulates the next cell. |