What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?

What is the basic functional unit of the nervous system?

• A. Muscle fibre
• B. Gland cell
• C. Nerve fibre
• D. Neurones

Answer: (D)

Neurones are the cells that can receive and transmit electrical impulses, making them the basic unit that carries information in the nervous system. A neurone has a cell body, dendrites to receive signals, and a long axon to send impulses on to other neurones or to effectors. This setup lets nerves rapidly process and coordinate responses throughout the body. A muscle fibre is the contractile unit of muscle tissue, not a signaling cell. A gland cell is a secretory unit. A nerve fibre is a single projection from a neurone (an axon or dendrite) that conducts impulses; by itself it lacks the full structure and networks needed for processing and integration. Thus the neurone is the fundamental unit of the nervous system.

Neurones are the cells that can receive and transmit electrical impulses, making them the basic unit that carries information in the nervous system. A neurone has a cell body, dendrites to receive signals, and a long axon to send impulses on to other neurones or to effectors. This setup lets nerves rapidly process and coordinate responses throughout the body. A muscle fibre is the contractile unit of muscle tissue, not a signaling cell. A gland cell is a secretory unit. A nerve fibre is a single projection from a neurone (an axon or dendrite) that conducts impulses; by itself it lacks the full structure and networks needed for processing and integration. Thus the neurone is the fundamental unit of the nervous system.