A Closer Look Tissues of the human body

Epithelial Tissues The lining, covering and glandular tissue of the body. Functions include: Protection. Absorption. Filtration. Secretion.

Simple Squamous Epithelium A single layer of thin squamous cells resting on a basement membrane. Air sacs of lungs and in walls of capillaries

Simple Cuboidal epithelium One layer of cubodial cells resting on a basement membrane. Glands and their ducts, salivary glands and pancreas, kidney tubules and ovaries

Simple Columnar Epithelium Single layer of tall cells that fit closely together Lines the entire length of the digestive tract.

Ciliated Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium All cells rest on a basement membrane. Ciliated line the respiratory tract for absorption and secretion.

Stratified Squamous Epitheium Most common in the body. The cells at the free edge are squamous cells whereas those close to the basement are cuboidal or columnar. Found in esophagus, mouth and outer portion of the skin.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelial Cells Two cells layers with the surface cells being cuboidal in shape. Rare, ducts of large glands.

Stratified columnar epithelium Columnar cells but the basal cells vary in size and sharp. Very rare. Salivary gland ducts.

Transitional Epithelium Cells of the basal layer are cuboidal or columnar, those at the free surface vary in appearance. Line the organs of the urinary system because of the ability to stretch.

Connective Tissue Connects the body parts. Functions Include: Protecting. Supporting. Binding together.

Bone (osseous) tissue. Bone cells sitting in lacunae and surrounded by layers of a hard matrix. Exceptional ability to protect and support other body organs. (skull)

Hyaline Cartilage Less hard and more flexible than bone. Most abundant. Larynx, ribs to the breastbone and covers the ends of bones.

Elastic Cartilage Found where elasticity is desired. Supports the external ear.

Fibrocartilage Cushion like disks between the vertebrae of the spinal column

Dense connective tissue Tendons- muscles to bones. Ligaments- bones to bones.

Loose connective tissue (Areolar) Cushions and protects the body organs.

Loose connective tissue (adipose) Fat. It is an areolar tissue in which fat cells predominate. Forms the subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin where it insulates the body and protects from hot and cold.

Reticular connective tissue Supports many blood cells in lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow.

Blood Transport vehicle for the cardiovascular system.

Muscle Tissue Specialized to contract or shorten. Function Produce Movement.

Skeletal muscle tissue Control the voluntary movement of the body. Gross body movements.

Cardiac muscle Found only in the heart. Involuntary control.

Smooth Muscle Tissue No striations are visible. Found in the walls of hollow organs such as stomach, bladder, uterus and blood vessels.

Nervous Tissue Neurons. Receive and conduct electrochemical impulses from one part of the body to another. Functions include: Irritability Conductivity.

Neuron Long processes allow single neuron to conduct an impulse over long distances in the body. Make up brain, spinal cord and nerves.