CHAPTER – 6

TISSUES
How are tissues formed?
A group of cells that
are similar in
structure and/or
work together to
achieve a particular
function forms a
tissue.
Are Plants and Animals Made of
Same Types of Tissues?
 Meristematic tissue-
Characteristics
• Cells of meristematic tissue are very active.

• Cells in MT have dense cytoplasm

• They have thin cellulose walls and prominent nuclei.

• They lack vacuoles.

• They possess a single, large and prominent nucleus.

 Meristematic tissue
The growth of plants occurs only in certain specific regions.
This is because the dividing tissue, also known as
meristematic tissue, is located only at these points.
Depending on the region where they are present,
meristematic tissues are classified as apical, lateral and
intercalary (Fig. 6.2).
New cells produced by meristem are initially like those of
meristem itself, but as they grow and mature, their
characteristics slowly change and they become
differentiated as components of other tissues.
Meristematic tissues are found in the growing regions of
the plant like the tips of root, stem and branches. They
divide continuously and help in the growth of the plant.
Meristematic tissues are classified as apical, lateral and intercalary.

• Apical
• Lateral
• Intercalary.
 Apical Meristem
i) They are present in the tips
of stems and roots.
ii) Functions
 Responsible for primary
growth of the plant, which
refers to the increase in
length of the stem and root.
 The shoot apical meristem
produces new leaves and
stem tissues, while the root
apical meristem produces
new root tissues and the
root cap.
SAM and RAM
• SAM as "Architect": The SAM is responsible for generating the entire
above-ground structure of the plant. It produces primary stem
tissues, leaves, and lateral buds (which develop into branches and
flowers). Its activity determines the plant's overall architecture – its
branching pattern, leaf arrangement (phyllotaxy), and ultimately its
form and reproductive strategy.
• RAM as "Explorer": The RAM's primary role is to drive the root's
growth downwards through the soil, exploring new volumes for water
and nutrients.
 Lateral Meristem (Cambium)
Present on the sides of stems and roots.
They help to increase the girth of the stems and roots.
Its called as Bifacial" Meristem/vascular cambium because it produces
new cells in two directions
To the inside (towards the center of the stem/root and outside (towards
the periphery).
It is also able to produce new cambial cells radially, allowing the
circumference of the cambium to increase.
 Functions of cambium

Continuous Increase in Girth and Support:

• The constant production of tissues in inner xylem (inside) provides
continuous increases in the stem's diameter and mechanical strength,
allowing the plant to grow taller, bear more branches and leaves, and resist
wind and gravity. This bulk wood is also vital for long-term water conduction
• The production of phloem to the outside ensures a continuous supply of
new living tissue for the transport of sugars from leaves to other parts of
the plant, including the growing regions and storage organs
• Repair and Adaptation: The cambium can also produce callus tissue to heal
wounds or adjust its activity in response to environmental stresses
Intercalary Meristem

Present at the base of leaves and internodes and help in the growth of
those parts.
Functions
• Elongation of Internodes- Responsible for the rapid increase in the length of the internodes
(the segments of the stem between two nodes). This contributes significantly to the overall
height of the plant. Example is the fast growth of bamboo stems due to the activity of
intercalary meristems at its nodes
• Regrowth after Grazing/Mowing- This is a crucial adaptive function, particularly for grasses.
When the apical meristem (at the tip of the shoot) is removed or damaged by herbivores
(grazing animals) or by mowing, the intercalary meristems at the base of the leaves or
internodes remain intact. These active meristems allow the plant to quickly regrow its leaves
and stem parts, enabling it to recover rapidly from defoliation
• Erecting Fallen Stems: In some cereal plants, if the stem falls over (lodges) due to wind or rain,
the intercalary meristems at the nodes can help the stem become erect again by continuing to
grow on the lower side, pushing the stem upwards
• Growth of Leaf Blades: In some plants, particularly grasses, intercalary meristems located at
the base of the leaf blade contribute to the continuous growth and elongation of the leaf.
Observe meristematic tissue
growth - Lab activity
• Take two glass jars and fill them with water.
• Now, take two onion bulbs and place one on
each jar, as shown in Fig. 6.1.
• Observe the growth of roots in both the bulbs
for a few days.
• Measure the length of roots on day 1, 2 and 3.
• On day 4, cut the root tips of the onion bulb in
jar 2 by about 1 cm.
• After this, observe the growth of roots in both
the jars and measure their lengths each day
for five more days and record the
observations in tables.
• Infer the results
 Simple Permanent Tissue
After the formation of meristematic
tissue. They take up a specific role and
lose the ability to divide. As a result,
they form a permanent tissue.
This process of taking up a permanent
shape, size, and a function is called
differentiation.
Differentiation leads to the
development of various types of
permanent tissues.
Permanent tissues are of two main
types. They are Simple permanent
tissues and Complex permanent tissues.
 Simple permanent tissue
• Generally simple permanent tissues are located few layers of cells beneath the epidermis
• Simple permanent tissues are made up of one type of cells.
• They are of three types called Parenchyma, Collenchyma and Sclerenchyma.
 Parenchyma- Key structural features of parenchyma cells

Living cells: Parenchyma cells are living, meaning they

retain their nucleus and protoplast.
Cell shape: They are generally isodiametric or polyhedral,
but can also be oval, polygonal, elongated, or round.
Cell walls: Their cell walls are thin and primarily composed
of cellulose and hemicellulose.
Intercellular space: They may have small intercellular
spaces, or they can be closely packed.
Vacuoles: Parenchyma cells typically have multiple small
vacuoles, which can merge to form a large central vacuole
in older cells.
Plasmodesmata: These connect adjacent parenchyma cells,
facilitating communication and transport.
Other organelles: They contain various organelles like
chloroplasts (for photosynthesis in some types),
chromoplasts (in fruits and flowers), and vacuoles that can
store water, nutrients, or pigments like tannins or
anthocyanins
 Functions of parenchyma
tissues
Photosynthesis: Chlorenchyma (parenchyma with chloroplasts) is the primary site of
photosynthesis in leaves and green stems.
Storage: They store food (starch, fats, proteins) in roots, stems, and fruits, and water in succulent
plants (e.g., in a potato tuber or cactus stem).
Secretion: They are involved in the secretion of various substances like resins, gums, and enzymes.
Repair and Healing: Parenchyma cells can divide to heal wounds, regenerate lost parts, and form
adventitious roots or shoots.
Support (Turgor): When turgid, parenchyma cells contribute to the support of herbaceous plants,
maintaining the rigidity of leaves and young stems.
Aeration: Aerenchyma (parenchyma with large air spaces) facilitates gas exchange in aquatic
plants.
Transport (Short Distance): They play a role in short-distance transport of water and nutrients
within tissues. Their adaptability allows them to form the bulk of many plant organs and readily
assume specialized roles as needed.
 Collenchyma
• Elongated Cells: Collenchyma cells are typically
elongated, with their shape varying from
circular, oval, or polygonal in cross-section.
• Unevenly Thick Walls: The cell walls are
thickened, especially at the corners, due to the
deposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and
pectin.
• Living Protoplasm: Unlike sclerenchyma,
collenchyma cells retain their living protoplasm,
including a nucleus and other organelles.
• Flexibility: The cell walls are flexible and elastic,
allowing the tissue to bend without breaking.
• Location: Collenchyma is found in young stems,
petioles, and leaf veins, where it provides
support and allows for growth and elongation of
plant organs.
• Chloroplasts and other organelles: Some
collenchyma cells may contain chloroplasts for
photosynthesis and other organelles for
metabolic processes
Functions of collenchyma
• Mechanical Support: It provides tensile strength and support to young stems, petioles (leaf stalks), and the
midribs and margins of leaves. Its characteristic unevenly thickened primary cell walls, composed of
cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, allow it to withstand stretching and bending forces without breaking
• Flexibility and Elasticity: Collenchyma provides flexible support, meaning it can bend and stretch along
with the growing parts of the plant without hindering their elongation. This is crucial for young shoots that
are still elongating and for leaves that need to withstand wind and other mechanical stresses.
• Protection: Collenchyma can offer a protective layer against mechanical injury for the delicate inner
tissues, especially in young stems and leaves
• Photosynthesis (in some cases): Collenchyma cells often contain chloroplasts, especially when they are
located in the outer layers of green stems or petioles. In such cases, they can perform photosynthesis and
contribute to the plant's food production
• Storage: Similar to parenchyma, collenchyma cells can sometimes store food substances like starch.
• Tissue Repair and Wound Healing: Because collenchyma cells are living and retain their metabolic activity,
they can, in some instances, dedifferentiate (regain meristematic activity) and divide to help in the repair
of damaged plant tissues or in wound healing
 Sclerenchyma
 Sclerenchyma cells are characterized by thick, rigid cell walls containing lignin, a
substance that provides strength and support. These cells are dead at maturity,
meaning they lack a nucleus and cytoplasm, and are found in various parts of
plants like stems, leaves, and roots.
 Sclerenchyma cells come in two main types: fibers and sclereids.
• Cell Walls: Sclerenchyma cells possess both primary and secondary cell
walls. The secondary wall is significantly thicker than the primary wall and is
heavily impregnated with lignin, making it very strong.
• Shape:
• Fibers: These cells are long, slender, and often arranged in bundles, providing
strong tensile strength.
• Sclereids: Also known as stone cells, these cells are irregular in shape and can
be found in various tissues like fruit peels and seed coats.
• Maturity:
• Mature sclerenchyma cells are typically dead, lacking a nucleus and
cytoplasm. This characteristic contributes to their rigidity and strength.
Functions of Sclerenchyma
• Mechanical Support and Strength: The thick, rigid, and lignified cell walls of sclerenchyma provide
significant mechanical strength and rigidity to plant organs. This allows plants to withstand various
stresses like wind, gravity, and mechanical forces without wilting or breaking
• Protection: Sclerenchyma forms protective coverings around various plant parts
• Seed coats and nut shells: The hardness of seed coats (e.g., peas, beans) and the shells of nuts (e.g.,
walnuts, almonds, coconuts) is due to the presence of sclereids, a type of sclerenchyma cell. This
protects the embryo and endosperm inside from physical damage.
• Fruit pulp: Sclereids give the gritty texture to fruits like pears and guavas, providing some protection
against herbivores
• Resistance to Stress and Strain: The rigid nature of sclerenchyma helps plant parts tolerate maximum
compression and tension. This is particularly vital in mature stems and leaves where growth has ceased
• Component of Vascular Bundles: Sclerenchyma fibers are often associated with xylem and phloem in
vascular bundles, providing additional structural support to the transport tissues. This ensures the
integrity of the water and food conducting pathways
• Commercial Uses: Sclerenchyma fibers are commercially valuable. Plant fibers like jute, hemp, flax, and
coir (from coconut husk) are sclerenchymatous fibers used in making ropes, textiles, mats, and other
woven goods due to their strength and durability.
Lab activity
• Take a plant stem and with the help of your teacher cut into very thin
slices or sections.
• Now, stain the slices with safranin. Place one neatly cut section on a
slide, and put a drop of glycerine.
• Cover with a cover-slip and observe under a microscope. Observe the
various types of cells and their arrangement.
• Now, answer the following on the basis of your observation:
1. Are all cells similar in structure?
2. How many types of cells can be seen
Comparison between permanent cells
 Epidermis
• Single-Layered: In most plants, the epidermis is a single layer of
cells. However, in some plants, especially those in arid environments, it can
be multi-layered to further reduce water loss.
• Cuticle: The epidermis is often covered by a waxy cuticle, a protective layer
that helps prevent water loss and protects against pathogens.
• Stomata: Openings in the epidermis (stomata) allow for gas exchange,
facilitating the uptake of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and the release
of oxygen and water vapor.
• Guard Cells: Stomata are surrounded by guard cells, which control the
opening and closing of the stomata, thus regulating gas exchange and water
loss.
• Trichomes: Some epidermal cells are modified into trichomes, hair-like
structures that can reduce transpiration, reflect sunlight, or provide defense
against herbivores
• Root Hairs: In roots, epidermal cells can extend into root hairs, which
increase the surface area for water and nutrient absorption.
Functions of epidermis
Protection: The epidermis protects the underlying
tissues from mechanical damage, infection, and
desiccation (moisture removal).
Gas Exchange: Stomata in the epidermis facilitate gas
exchange (carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water vapor)
essential for photosynthesis and respiration.
Transpiration Control: The stomata and guard cells
regulate the rate of water loss through transpiration,
helping to maintain water balance in the plant.
Water Absorption: Root hairs, derived from epidermal
cells, absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Defense: Trichomes can deter herbivores and protect
the plant from excessive sunlight exposure.
 Cork cells
• Cell Walls: The cell walls are thick and composed of suberin,
which gives them their waxy and impermeable nature.
• Cell Shape: Cork cells are typically arranged in radial rows and
may be hexagonal or polygonal in cross-section.
• Cell Contents: Cork cells are dead at maturity, meaning they
lack a nucleus and other organelles. Some may be filled with
air, while others may contain traces of lignin, tannins, or fatty
acids.
• Lenticels: Lenticels are small pores in the cork layer that allow
for gas exchange between the plant and the external
environment.
• Cork Cambium: Cork cells are produced by the cork cambium, a
layer of meristematic cells that lies beneath the cork layer.
Cork cells-
Functions
• Protection: Cork cells form a tough, outer layer that helps
protect the inner tissues of a plant from external injury,
extreme temperatures, and fire.
• Water conservation: They prevent excessive water loss
through transpiration, which is crucial in environments where
water availability is limited.
• Disease resistance: Cork cells are impermeable to many
pathogens and help prevent infections by bacteria, fungi, and
other microorganisms.
• Mechanical support: They contribute to the plant's mechanical
strength and stability.
• Gas exchange: While cork cells are a protective barrier, they
also allow for gas exchange to occur through specialized
structures called lenticels.
Complex permanent tissues
• Complex permanent tissues are
made of more than one type of
cells.
• All these cells coordinate to
perform a common function.
• Xylem and phloem are examples of
such complex tissues.
• They are both conducting tissues
and constitute a vascular bundle.
Xylem- Structure
• Tracheids: Long, narrow cells
with tapered ends,
connected by pits (small
openings in the cell wall).
• Vessel Elements: Larger cells
that form continuous, hollow
tubes.
• Xylem Parenchyma: Living Location of Xylem:
cells that store water and •Roots: Xylem is typically located in the
other materials. center of the root, providing support
against pulling forces.
• Xylem Fibers: Provide •Stems: In dicots (woody plants),
additional support and vascular bundles containing xylem are
strength. arranged in a ring around the stem, with
• Lignin: A tough, woody xylem towards the inside.
•Leaves: Xylem forms the midrib and
material that strengthens
veins, supplying water to the leaf cells.
Xylem- Functions
• Water and Mineral
Transport: Xylem vessels and
tracheids conduct water and
dissolved minerals from the
roots to the rest of the
plant.
• Structural Support: The
lignified cell walls of xylem
provide strength and
support, especially in woody
stems.
• Food Storage: Xylem
parenchyma cells may store
carbohydrates and other
nutrients.
How Xylem Works?

[Link] Absorption: Water and minerals are absorbed

by the roots through specialized root hairs.
2. Root Pressure: Root pressure helps move water up
the xylem.
3. Transpiration: Water evaporation from leaves creates
a pressure difference that draws water upward
through the xylem (transpiration pull).
4. Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules cling
together (cohesion) and to the xylem walls (adhesion),
helping to move water up the plant.
Phloem
• Sieve Elements: These are the main
conducting cells, arranged in long,
continuous tubes called sieve
tubes. Sieve tubes have perforations in
their end walls (sieve plates) and lack
nuclei and other organelles at maturity,
allowing for efficient flow of materials.
• Companion Cells: These living cells are
closely associated with sieve elements
and provide support and metabolic
support for them, including loading and
unloading sugars into the phloem.
• Phloem Parenchyma Cells: These cells
provide storage and support, and may
also play a role in transporting
materials.
Phloem- Functions
• Translocation: Phloem is responsible
for the transport of sugars
(primarily sucrose), amino acids,
and other organic compounds
throughout the plant. This transport
process is called translocation and
can occur in both directions (up and
down) in the plant.
• Signal Transduction: Phloem also
plays a role in the transport of
signaling molecules, such as
hormones, mRNAs, and proteins,
which are important for
coordinating plant development and
physiology.
• Storage: Phloem tissue can store
some of the nutrients that are being
Animal Tissues – Types
 EPITHELIAL TISSUE
Characteristics features:
• Cells in epithelial tissues are tightly packed and form continuous sheet.
• They have only small amount of connecting material between them and
almost no intercellular space.
• All epithelium usually separated from the underlying tissue by an
extracellular fibrous basement membrane
• Its a vascular tissue lacking distribution of blood vessels
• The epithelial tissue covers the surface and lines tubes and cavities thus
covers or protects the organs in the animal body and is commonly called
covering and lining tissue
• There are 2 types of epithelial tissues, simple and complex.
 Squamous epithelial tissue
• Simple squamous epithelial – These cells are extremely
thin and flat and form a delicate lining.
• The oesophagus and the lining of the mouth are also
covered with squamous epithelium. They are also found
on the lining of blood vessels, lining of alveoli of lungs,
lining of Bowmans capsule of Nephron.
• Stratified squamous epithelium: This
type of epithelium usually has protective
functions, including protection against
microorganisms from invading
underlying tissue and/or protection
against water loss.
• The outer layer of your skin (the
epidermis) is made of stratified
squamous epithelial cells. Skin epithelial cells
are arranged in many layers to prevent wear and tear.
Since they are arranged in a pattern of layers, the
epithelium is called stratified squamous epithelium.
 Columnar epithelial tissue
• The columnar (meaning ‘pillar-like’) epithelium cells are tall, facilitates movement across the epithelial barrier. There
are two functionally different types of simple columnar epithelium: ciliated and non-ciliated.
• The ciliated simple columnar epithelium bears cilia hair-like projections, on the apical surfaces of cells, with goblet
cells usually scattered throughout the epithelium. Ex- It is found in the respiratory tract, these cilia can move, and their
movement pushes the mucus forward to clear it.
• Non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium - No cilia. Made up of glandular goblet cells which secrete mucin to form
mucus. The rest of the cell is made up of cytoplasm with membrane bound secretory granules which secrete the
mucin, and are found towards the apical surface of the cell.
• Glandular epithelium: Made up of glandular goblet cells. Sometimes a portion of the epithelial tissue folds inward, and
a multicellular gland is formed. A type of tissue that lines certain internal organs and makes and releases substances in
the body, such as mucous, digestive juices, and other fluids. Glandular epithelium is commonly found in the salivary
gland, stomach, colon, pancreas, prostate, uterus, and cervix.
• Sensory epithelium: Sensory epithelium has sensory cells that act as transducers, converting signals from the outside
world into an electrical form that can be interpreted by the nervous system. e. g. - rod cells & cone cells, taste buds
organ of corti of the internal ear.
Cuboidal epithelium
• Cuboidal epithelial cells are cube-shaped and short
cells, with roughly similar thickness and width. They
usually appear hexagonal in a cross-section.
• Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
• The cells of simple cuboidal epithelium are almost
tall as they are wide. They contain a single layer of
cuboidal cells with large spherical nuclei that are
centrally located. Their major functions are
absorption and secretion. Examples – cells covering
thyroid follicles, ovary, etc. The simple cuboidal
epithelium also lines the pigment layer of the retina.
• Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium
• Stratified cuboidal occurs in the excretory ducts of
sweat glands and salivary glands. They are also
found in mammary glands and in the developing
ovarian follicles. Helps in protection and secretion.
Complex epithelial tissue
• Complex epithelial tissue- The compound
epithelium consists of more than
one layer of cells. It is usually
protective in function. They protect
against mechanical and chemical
stress. 2 types shown below are,
• Stratified squamous epithelium:- Skin epithelial
cells are arranged in many layers to prevent wear
and tear. Since they are arranged in a pattern of
layers the epithelium is called Stratified
squamous epithelium.
• Stratified cuboidal epithelium - occurs in the
excretory ducts of sweat glands and salivary
glands. They are also found in mammary glands
and in the developing ovarian follicles. Helps in
protection and secretion.
Connective Tissue
• The connective tissues are specialized to connect the various body organs.
• It can connect bone to each other, muscles to bones, bind tissues and give
support to various parts of the body.
• Types of connective tissues are blood tissue, bone tissue, cartilage tissue,
areolar tissue.
• Characteristics features:-
• The cells of connective tissue are living, loosely spaced and embedded in
an intercellular matrix.
• The matrix may be jelly- like, fluid, dense or rigid depending upon the
function of particular connective tissue. (matrix:- it is secretion of cells of
tissue)
• They are commonly called as packing tissues
Connective Tissue- Blood- Fluid Tissue
• Blood is a type of connective tissue. Blood has a
fluid (liquid) matrix called plasma, in which red
blood corpuscles (RBCs), white blood corpuscles
(WBCs) and platelets are suspended.
• Blood is the only liquid tissue in the
body that measures about 5 liters in
the adult human and accounts for 8
percent of the body weight.
• The plasma contains proteins, salts and hormones.
• Blood flows and transports gases, digested food,
hormones and waste materials to differ
• Functions
• RBC/ERYTHROCYTES: Help in transport of
respiratory gasses.
• WBC/LEUCOCYTES: Fight with diseases by
producing antibodies and
• BLOOD PLATELETS: Help in blood clotting. rent
parts of the body.
Connective Tissue- Bone- Skeletal Tissue
• Bone forms the framework that supports
the body. It also anchors the muscles and
supports the main organs of the body. It is
a strong and nonflexible tissue.
• Bone cells are embedded in a hard matrix
that is composed of calcium and
phosphorus compounds.
• Two bones can be connected to each other
by another type of connective tissue called
the ligament. This tissue is very elastic. It
has considerable strength. Ligaments
contain very little matrix and connect
bones with bones.
• Tendons connect muscles to bones and are
another type of connective tissue. Tendons
are fibrous tissue with great strength but
limited flexibility.
Connective Tissue- Cartilage- Skeletal Tissue
• Cartilage, has widely spaced cells.
• The solid matrix is composed of
proteins and sugars.
• Cartilage smoothens bone surfaces
at joints and is also present in the
nose, ear, trachea and larynx.
• Cartilage of the ears can be folded,
but we cannot bend the bones in
our arms.
Connective Tissue- Areolar- Skeletal Tissue
• Areolar connective tissue is found
between the skin and muscles,
around blood vessels and nerves
and in the bone marrow.
• It fills the space inside the organs,
supports internal organs and helps
in repair of tissues.
Connective Tissue- Adipose Tissue
• Fat storing adipose tissue is found
below the skin and between internal
organs.
• The cells of this tissue are filled with
fat globules.
• Storage of fats also lets it act as an
insulator.
Muscular Tissue
• Consists of elongated cells called muscle fibers.
• These tissues help in various types of movement in body parts and
locomotion.
• Muscle contains special protein called contractile protein which contract
and relax to facilitate movement.
• On the basis of structure of muscles fibers Muscular tissue are of following
three types:-
(1) Striated / Stripe / Voluntary / Skeletal muscular tissue
(2) Involuntary muscular tissue / Smooth muscular tissue / Unstriated
muscular tissue
(3) Cardiac muscular tissue / Striated involuntary muscular tissue
Muscular Tissue- Striated / Stripe / Voluntary / Skeletal muscular tissue

• They are called skeletal muscular tissue

because they are mostly attached to
the bones and because of the presence
of alternate light & dark band or
striations.
• The cells of this tissue are long,
cylindrical, unbranched and
multicellular (having many nuclei).
Muscular Tissue- Involuntary muscular tissue / Smooth muscular tissue / Unstriated muscular tissue

• Movement is not controlled by our will.

• They are called smooth muscular tissue
because remains attached with smooth
organs i.e. visceral organs.
• They are called unstriated muscular
tissue due to absence of striations.
• The cells are long with pointed ends
(spindle shaped) and uni-nucleated
(having a single nucleus)
• They are found in the alimentary canal,
blood vessels, iris of the eye, ureters & in
the bronchi of the lungs.
Muscular Tissue- Cardiac muscular tissue / Striated involuntary muscular tissue

• They are called cardiac muscular tissue

because found restricted on the wall of
the heart.
• Striated involuntary muscular tissue:-
due to the presence of the striations
and movement being not controlled by
our will.
• Ex- Heart muscles
Nervous Tissue
• Nervous Tissue is composed of cells called nerve cells/ neuron. Cells are highly
specialized for being stimulated and then transmitting the stimulus very rapidly
from one place to another within the body.
• The brain and spinal cord are composed of nervous tissue.
• Each neuron has three parts - Cyton / Cell body, Dendrites and axon.
• Cyton: It has large central nucleus and cytoplasm from which long thin hair-like
parts arise.
• Dendrite: The short branched fibre of neuron which receives nerve impulse.
• Axon: A single long conducting fibre extending from a neuron that transmits
impulse away from the cell body.
• Function of nerve cell:
• 1. Controls all body activities.
• 2. It coordinates among various body parts during any body function.
• 3. Dendrite carries nerve impulse towards the cyton whereas axon carry nerve
impulse away from the cyton.
• Synapse: It is the junction or region of union of axon of one neuron with the
dendrite of another through which nerve impulse are transferred.