QUESTION: Which tissue types are described as excitable?
ANS
- Both the nerve tissue and muscle tissue have the characteristic of excitability, meaning they can respond to stimuli and generate electrical impulses or contractile forces, respectively.
- Nerve tissue is responsible for transmitting electrical signals throughout the body, allowing for communication and coordination of various bodily functions.
- It consists of specialized cells called neurons, which have the ability to generate and transmit electrical impulses, known as action potentials.
- Nerve tissue forms the basis of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Muscle tissue is responsible for the contraction and movement of body parts.
- It is composed of specialized cells called muscle fibers or myocytes.
- Muscle fibers have the unique ability to contract and generate force in response to electrical stimulation.
- There are three types of muscle tissue
- Skeletal muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Smooth muscle
| Tissue Type | Description | Function |
| Nerve Tissue | · Consists of specialized cells called neurons that generate and transmit electrical impulses (action potentials) for communication and coordination. | · Transmission of electrical signals throughout the body
|
| Muscle Tissue | · Composed of specialized cells called muscle fibers or myocytes that can contract and generate force in response to electrical stimulation. | · Contraction and movement of body parts |
| Skeletal | · Responsible for voluntary movements | · Voluntary control of movement, locomotion |
| Cardiac | · Found in the heart and responsible for involuntary contractions | · Involuntary pumping of blood and maintenance of heart function |
| Smooth | · Located in the walls of organs and control involuntary movements | · Involuntary movement of organs, such as digestion and circulation |