Nervous Tissue: Structure, Function & Control of the Body

Nervous tissue receives stimuli, transmits impulses, and controls muscles/glands. Composed of:

• Neurons (nerve cells): Functional units—dendrites receive signals, cell body integrates, axon transmits to other neurons, muscles, glands.
• Glial cells (neuroglia): Support, protect, nourish neurons; types include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, Schwann cells.

Organized into:

• Central nervous system (CNS): Brain and spinal cord—main processing/control centers.
• Peripheral nervous system (PNS): Nerves connecting CNS to body—transmit motor commands and relay sensory input.