The basic unit of neural tissue is which cell?

The basic unit of neural tissue is which cell?

• A. Dendrite
• B. Neuroglia
• C. Neuron
• D. Axon

Answer: (C)

Neurons are the basic functional units of neural tissue because they are specialized to receive, process, and transmit information. Their structure—dendrites to gather signals, a cell body to integrate them, and an axon to send impulses to other cells—enables rapid communication throughout the nervous system. Neuroglia provide essential support, protection, and insulation for neurons, but they do not carry the signaling that defines neural tissue. Dendrites and axons are parts of a neuron, not standalone units. So the cell that serves as the fundamental signaling unit is the neuron.

Neurons are the basic functional units of neural tissue because they are specialized to receive, process, and transmit information. Their structure—dendrites to gather signals, a cell body to integrate them, and an axon to send impulses to other cells—enables rapid communication throughout the nervous system. Neuroglia provide essential support, protection, and insulation for neurons, but they do not carry the signaling that defines neural tissue. Dendrites and axons are parts of a neuron, not standalone units. So the cell that serves as the fundamental signaling unit is the neuron.