What are nerves composed of?

Study for the New CED - Biological Basis of Behavior Exam. Test your understanding with detailed questions and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Nerves are primarily composed of bundled axons, which are the long, slender projections of neurons that transmit electrical impulses away from the cell body. In a nerve, many of these axons are grouped together, enclosed in connective tissue, allowing them to function as a single entity that communicates signals between the central and peripheral nervous systems.

While neurons are indeed essential components of nerves, saying that nerves consist solely of neurons doesn't account for the structural organization that includes the axons. Similarly, synapses and neurotransmitters are involved in the communication between neurons, but they do not make up the physical structure of nerves themselves. Glial cells are crucial for supporting and protecting neurons, but they also do not constitute the primary composition of nerves. The correct answer reflects the functional and structural reality of nerves as bundles of axons that enable the nervous system to perform its vital roles in bodily communication and coordination.

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