Question

____ detects and integrates information about changes and controls responses to those changes. A. Epithelial tissue B. Connective tissue C. Muscle tissue D. Nervous tissue

Short answer

D. Nervous tissue

Step-by-step solution

Understand the function being described

The exercise describes something that 'detects and integrates information about changes and controls responses to those changes'. This implies sensory detection, processing of information, and response coordination.

Match the function to the correct tissue type

Review each option given: - A. Epithelial tissue - primarily serves as a covering/lining of surfaces. - B. Connective tissue - supports, connects, or separates different types of tissues and organs. - C. Muscle tissue - responsible for movement made by contraction. - D. Nervous tissue - specializes in transmitting and processing information through nerve impulses.

Identify the tissue closely associated with detection and response

Nervous tissue is specifically involved in detecting environmental changes, processing this information, and coordinating responses to these changes through electrical impulses. Thus, it is responsible for integrating sensory input and directing responses.

Key concepts

Nervous tissue

Nervous tissue is a remarkable and essential component of our bodies, playing a vital role in the nervous system. It's specialized in transmitting and processing information. This tissue comprises two main cell types: neurons and glial cells.
Neurons are the primary signal carriers. They receive and transmit signals across the body using electrical impulses. These impulses travel along the long projections called axons, enabling swift communication.
Glial cells, on the other hand, provide crucial support to neurons. They don't carry impulses themselves but are vital for neuron function. Glial cells help in maintaining homeostasis, forming myelin, and providing protection and support.

• Neurons: Basic unit for signal transmission.
• Glial cells: Support for neurons, assist in homeostasis and myelin formation.

Without nervous tissue, our bodies wouldn't be able to detect changes or execute reactions effectively.

Sensory detection

Sensory detection is the process by which our bodies identify changes in the environment inside and outside of us. This is crucial for interaction and survival as it lets us perceive the world.
Our sensory organs, such as the eyes, ears, skin, nose, and tongue, are equipped with receptors that specialize in detecting specific stimuli. For example, photoreceptors in the eyes detect light, while mechanoreceptors in the skin perceive touch and pressure.
Once these receptors detect a stimulus, they convert it into electrical signals, which are sent to the brain. Only by converting these inputs into nerve impulses can the brain understand and process the information to inform the necessary reaction.

• Eyes: Equipped with photoreceptors for light detection.
• Ears: Detect sound through mechanoreceptors.
• Skin: Feels touch and pressure.

Sensory detection is the starting point in the chain of events leading to a response.

Response coordination

Response coordination is the body's way of managing and executing reactions to stimuli based on the information processed by the nervous system.
Once the brain processes the sensory data, it orchestrates an appropriate response. This can be anything from moving a hand away from a hot surface, jumping at a loud noise, or simply speaking in response to a conversation.
The execution of these responses involves sending signals back through neurons to the correct part of the body. For example, motor neurons will direct muscles to contract or relax, enabling movement.
Coordination ensures that responses are timely and appropriate, often happening so fast that they're nearly instantaneous. This effectiveness is crucial for protecting the organism and ensuring survival.

• Brain processes information and determines a response.
• Nerve signals sent to target organs/tissues.
• Fast and effective responses are essential for survival.

Response coordination completes the cycle initiated by sensory detection, closing the loop of interaction with the environment.