Lesson 11
The Human Nervous System

11.1 Introduction

There are two types of nervous tissues--the neurons (nerve cells) and glia (neuroglia). The neuron is the basic structural unit of the nervous system. The glia are cells of supporting tissue for the nervous system. There are several different types of glia, but their general function is support (physical, nutritive, etc.).

Nervous tissues are specialized to:

a. Receive Stimuli. Cells receiving stimuli are said to be "irritable" (as are all living cells to a degree).

b. Transmit Information.

c. "Store" Information. The storing of information is called memory.