Nervous Tissue
Information Highways
Electrical Signals
1600’s 1818
Signals Movement of charges (ions!)
Densely packed Tightly intertwined
Neurons Nerve cells Excitable Transmit signals Amitotic* Various shapes and sizes Extreme longevity Exceptionally high metabolic rate st_of_animals_by_number_of _neurons st_of_animals_by_number_of _neurons Neuroglia (glia) Supporting cells Smaller in size Undergo mitosis Outnumber neurons Split up into two types: – Scaffolding/insulation – Promoting health/growth
Support Cells of CNS Astrocytes - helps with exchanges between blood capillaries and neurons, forms the blood-brain barrier
Support Cells of CNS Microglia – monitors health, can transform into a microphage*
Support Cells of CNS Ependymal cells – lines central cavities of brain and spinal cord, formation of cerebrospinal fluid, ciliated – help move fluid
Support Cells of CNS Oligodendrocytes – composes myelin sheaths
Support Cells of PNS Satellite cells – function largely unknown Schwann cells – form myelin sheaths, vital to nerve fiber regeneration
Neurons