HISTOLOGY THE STUDY OF TISSUES
GENERAL Tissue = Cells with similar structure & function organized into groups or layers Four major types: Epithelial (Covers or lines surfaces, found in glands) Connective (Bind & support body parts) Muscle (Movement) Nervous (Detect changes & transmit info.)
CHARACTERISTICS OF EPITHELIAL TISSUE Covers all body surfaces inside & out Many tightly packed cells, usually arranged into layers Free surface & basement membrane Functions: protection, absorption, sensation, secretion High rate of cell division (healing) Avascular (rely on diffusion)
Epithelial Cell Surface
CLASSIFICATION OF EPITHELIAL TISSUE Layers Simple (one layer) Stratified (>1 layer; Note: only cells at surface have characteristic shape) Shapes Squamous Cuboidal Columnar Transitional
CONNECTIVE TISSUE - GENERAL Few cells widely spaced in non-living matrix Matrix may be solid, semi-solid, fluid Largest % of tissue by weight; found in all body parts Binds, protects, supports May be vascular
CONNECTIVE TISSUE - GENERAL Fibroblast Most common cell Secretes fibers Collagen – strong, flexible, structural Elastic – stretch & recoil Reticular – highly branched, supportive Differs in type & amount of fibers in matrix Loose or dense; regular or irregular
MUSCLE TISSUE Contract, provide movement 3 types: Skeletal (attached to bones) Smooth (hollow organs) Cardiac (heart)
NERVOUS TISSUE Regulate, coordinate, body functions Brain, spinal cord, nerves 2 types of cells: Neuron (nerve cell) Most specialized cell in body Conducts (Transmission of nerve impulse) Neuroglia (“nerve glue”) Assist neurons (bind, protect, supply)