Final answer:
The nervous system consists of two primary types of cells: neurons, which are responsible for signal transmission, and glial cells, which provide support to neurons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Composition of the Nervous System
The nervous system is fundamentally composed of two types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Neurons are renowned for their role in processing and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals, thereby serving as the primary communicators in the nervous system. With their distinct features such as dendrites and axons, they play a crucial part in the nervous system's functions. On the other hand, glial cells are supportive components that maintain the neurons' optimal environment for functioning, offering physical support, nutritional support, and protection against pathogens.
Neurons are the core units of the nervous system, essential for eliciting responses to stimuli by sending signals to various body parts. While glial cells, previously thought to greatly outnumber neurons, have been revealed to exist in nearly equal numbers to neurons, indicating a closer similarity between human and primate brains than was once assumed. Both cell types are indispensable for a healthy and functioning nervous system.