Epithelial Tissue
- Forms the lining of organs, cavities, and blood vessels
- Functions: protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, and sensory reception
- Types:
- Squamous: thin, flat cells (e.g., lung lining)
- Cuboidal: cube-shaped cells (e.g., kidney tubules)
- Columnar: tall, column-shaped cells (e.g., intestinal lining)
Connective Tissue
- Supports and connects other tissues
- Matrix: non-cellular material containing fibers (e.g., collagen, elastin)
- Types:
- Loose connective tissue: loosely arranged fibers (e.g., subcutaneous tissue)
- Dense connective tissue: tightly packed fibers (e.g., tendons, ligaments)
- Specialized connective tissue:
- Cartilage: flexible, strong (e.g., ear, nose)
- Bone: hard, mineralized (e.g., skeleton)
- Blood: fluid tissue containing cells (e.g., red blood cells)
Muscle Tissue
- Contracts to produce movement
- Types:
- Skeletal muscle: voluntary, attached to bones (e.g., biceps, triceps)
- Smooth muscle: involuntary, found in organ walls (e.g., stomach, intestines)
- Cardiac muscle: involuntary, found in the heart (e.g., heart wall)
Nervous Tissue
- Conducts electrical signals
- Components:
- Neurons: specialized cells that transmit signals
- Glial cells: support and protect neurons
Types of Nervous Tissue:
- White matter: contains myelinated axons (insulated fibers) for faster signal transmission
- Gray matter: contains cell bodies and unmyelinated axons
Other Specialized Tissues:
- Adipose tissue: stores fat for energy
- Reticular tissue: delicate network of fibers supporting immune cells
- Endothelial tissue: lines blood vessels and lymph vessels