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The function of nervous tissue is to transmit and process information in the body through electrical and chemical signals.
Nervous tissue is a specialised type of tissue that forms the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It is responsible for receiving stimuli from the body's internal and external environments, interpreting these stimuli, and coordinating the body's response.
Nervous tissue is made up of two main types of cells: neurons and neuroglia. Neurons, or nerve cells, are the primary cells in nervous tissue that transmit information. They are unique in their ability to send signals rapidly and precisely to other cells, whether they are other neurons, muscle cells, or gland cells. Neurons achieve this through a combination of electrical signals (nerve impulses) and chemical signals (neurotransmitters).
Neuroglia, or glial cells, are the supporting cells in nervous tissue. They do not transmit signals like neurons, but they perform a variety of other functions that are essential for normal operation of the neurons. These include providing physical support and insulation for neurons, supplying nutrients to neurons, and playing a role in the maintenance of the extracellular environment.
In summary, the function of nervous tissue is to facilitate communication between different parts of the body. It does this by receiving information about changes in the environment, processing this information, and then coordinating the body's response. This allows the body to react quickly to changes, maintain homeostasis, and perform complex behaviours.
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