Nervous Tissue Characteristics: Identifying the Incorrect Statement

Nervous tissue is one of the four basic types of animal tissue. It is responsible for coordinating and controlling many body activities. It stimulates muscle contraction, creates sensory perceptions, and plays a major role in emotions, memory, and reasoning. Nervous tissue is composed of neurons (nerve cells) and glial cells.

Analyzing Nervous Tissue Statements

Let's evaluate each statement about nervous tissue:

• Statement 1: Nerve cells are very small in length. This statement is incorrect. While the cell bodies of neurons might be relatively small, the extensions (axons and dendrites) can be extremely long. Some neurons, like those running from the spinal cord to the toes, can be over a meter in length, making them some of the longest cells in the body.
• Statement 2: Neuron is made up of axon and dendrites. This statement is correct. A typical neuron consists of a cell body (soma), dendrites (which receive signals), and an axon (which transmits signals).
• Statement 3: Cells are called nerve cells or neurons. This statement is correct. The primary functional cells of nervous tissue are called neurons or nerve cells.
• Statement 4: Examples are brain and spinal cord. This statement is correct. The brain and spinal cord are the main organs of the central nervous system and are primarily composed of nervous tissue.

Therefore, the statement that is NOT correct about nervous tissue is that nerve cells are very small in length.