In nervous tissue, the basic functional unit of the nervous system is the:

• A. Myelin sheath
• B. Neuroglia (glial cell)
• C. Synapse
• D. Neuron

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the nervous system is composed of various structures, each with specific roles. The question asks for the basic functional unit, which means the smallest component capable of performing the primary function of the system.
2. Review the options: Myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates axons to speed up nerve impulses, but it is not a cell itself; Neuroglia (glial cells) support and protect neurons but do not conduct impulses; Synapse is the junction between neurons where communication occurs.
3. Recall that the neuron is a specialized cell designed to transmit electrical signals throughout the nervous system, making it the fundamental unit responsible for nervous system function.
4. Recognize that neurons consist of dendrites (receive signals), a cell body (processes information), and an axon (sends signals), which together enable communication within the nervous system.
5. Conclude that since neurons carry out the essential task of transmitting nerve impulses, they are considered the basic functional unit of the nervous system.