Epithelial Tissues

Simple Squamosal epithelium Single layer of thin flattened cells Allow substances to pass through easily. Found lining the lungs, form capillary walls, and covering membranes that line body cavities. Easily damaged.

Simple Cuboidal epithilium Single layer of cube shaped cells. Good for secretion and absorption. Found lining glands, and in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys.

Simple Columnar epithelium Single layer of cells that are longer than they are wide; may be ciliated or nonciliated. Good for absorption and secretion. Found in the digestive tract.

Stratified epithelium Layers of cells stacked on top of each other. Makes up the skin, and line many of the bodies organs and glands.

Pseudostratified epithelium Appear layered, but are not. Layered appearance comes from cell nuclei being located a different levels of the cell. Usually contain cilia. Found lining the respiratory system.

Connective Tissue

Loose connective  A.K.A. areolar tissue.  Binds skin to underlying organs, and fills in the gaps between muscles.

Dense regular connective  Mostly elastic fibers with a few cells.  Parts of tendons and ligaments.

Dense irregular connective  Also mostly elastic fibers.  The protective white layer of the eye.

Elastic connective

Hyaline cartilage  Very dense, and looks like white glass  Found on the ends of bones in many joints.

Elastic cartilage  Dense network of elastic fibers.  Provides the framework for the external parts of the ear.

Fibrocartilage  Very dense shock absorbing tissue.  Forms intervertebral discs.

Adipose  A.K.A. Fat.  Cushions joints and organs, stores energy, and insulates beneath the skin.

Blood  Composed of cells other elements suspended in fluid.  Transports materials, and facilitates exchange of substances between cells.

Bone  Rigid connective tissue.  Made up of collagen fibers reinforced by a mineral matrix.  Form the structure of the body, protect vital organs, allow movement, and produce blood cells.

Muscle Tissue

Skeletal muscle  A.K.A. voluntary muscle.  Made up of long striated threads called fibers.  Muscle cells contain many nuclei.  Skeletal muscle attaches to the bones, and moves the body by conscience efforts.

Cardiac muscle  Found only in the heart.  Cardiac muscle cells are striated, have a single nucleus, are branched, and connected together in a complex network.  Cardiac muscle is involuntarily controlled, and pumps blood through the heart.

Smooth muscle  Un-striated, spindle shaped cells with one centrally located nucleus.  Smooth muscles make up the walls of hollow organs and blood vessels.  Smooth muscle contractions are involuntary, and move materials through the body.

Nervous Tissue

Nervous A.K.A. Neurons Found in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurons transmit electrical impulses to muscles or glands, and control and coordinate body activities.