What is the Difference Between Nervous Tissue and Nervous System?

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The difference between nervous tissue and the nervous system lies in their composition and function.

  • Nervous Tissue: Nervous tissue is made up of nerve cells called neurons, whose primary function is to carry messages from one body part to another. It is present in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Nervous tissue contains two basic types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Neurons are responsible for transmitting messages, while glial cells provide support and a framework for the nervous tissue.
  • Nervous System: The nervous system is a group of nervous tissues that manage the transmission of messages throughout the body. It is responsible for proper functioning and managing the tissues that transmit messages to the whole body. The nervous system can be divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (everything else). The basic functions of the nervous system are sensation, integration, and response.

In summary, nervous tissue is the building block of the nervous system, made up of neurons and glial cells that work together to transmit messages. The nervous system, on the other hand, is a complex network of interconnected nervous tissues that work together to manage and transmit messages throughout the body.

Comparative Table: Nervous Tissue vs Nervous System

Here is a table comparing nervous tissue and the nervous system:

Feature Nervous Tissue Nervous System
Definition Nervous tissue is a specialized tissue made up of a number of nerve cells that work together to perform a particular function, such as transmitting messages to a specific part of the body at a particular time. The nervous system is a group of nervous tissues that manage various nervous tissues and have a definite function, which is to manage the tissues that transmit messages to the whole body.
Components Nervous tissue contains two basic types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Neurons are responsible for the communicative function of the nervous system, while glial cells provide support and a framework for the tissue. The nervous system is composed of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes everything else.
Structure Nervous tissue can be found in both the CNS and PNS. In the CNS, a bundle of axons or fibers is called a tract, while the same thing in the PNS is called a nerve. The nervous system is characterized by electrical signals that are sent from one area to another, traveling along axons. The basis of the electrical signal is the controlled distribution of ions across the membrane, regulated by transmembrane ion channels.

In summary, nervous tissue is a specialized tissue composed of neurons and glial cells that transmit messages within the body, while the nervous system is a group of nervous tissues that manage the transmission of messages throughout the entire body.