Fig 023 Tissue Types

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Types of Tissue

Tissues are aggregations of cells and their extracellular matrix that work together to perform a specific function.

Despite the many types of cells in the body, there are only four basic types of tissues:

– forms continuous sheets of cells that line internal surfaces and cover the external surface of the body. Glands are often derived from an epithelium.
– supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs. It is composed of cells in an abundant extracellular matrix. It also includes cartilage, bone, and blood.
– cells that have the ability to contract in order to produce movement of body parts. Uses the contractile proteins actin and myosin.
– specialized for the rapid communication of information from one region of the body to another. The structural and functional unit is the neuron.

Organs are assembled from varying proportions of these basic types of tissues and have cells with specialized functions.

Knowledge of the similarities and differences between the basic tissue types helps in understanding how organs are put together and function.