1. HISTOLOGY
THE STUDY OF TISSUES

2. 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.)

3. 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)

4. Epithelial Cell Surface

5. CLASSIFICATION OF EPITHELIAL TISSUE
Layers
Simple (one layer)
Stratified (>1 layer; Note: only cells at surface have characteristic shape)
Shapes
Squamous
Cuboidal
Columnar
Transitional

7. 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

8. 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

10. MUSCLE TISSUE Contract, provide movement 3 types:
Skeletal (attached to bones)
Smooth (hollow organs)
Cardiac (heart)

12. 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)