Tissue
A group of similar cells (and their products) that work together to perform a specific function
Four basic tissue types
Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous
Epithelial tissue
Tissue that covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands; functions in protection, absorption, filtration, and secretion
Connective tissue
Tissue that supports, protects, binds, or connects other tissues and organs
Muscle tissue
Tissue composed of cells that contract to produce movement
Nervous tissue
Tissue specialized for communication by transmitting electrical signals
Apical surface
the free surface of epithelial tissue that faces a body cavity or the outside of the body
Basal surface
the surface of epithelial tissue that attaches to the basement membrane
Basement membrane
a thin layer that anchors epithelial tissue to underlying connective tissue
Avascular
lacking blood vessels
Innervated
supplied with nerves
Regeneration
the ability of tissue to replace damaged/dead cells
Matrix
the nonliving material between cells of connective tissue, cosisting of fibers and ground substance
Ground substance
the fluid or gel-like portion of the connective tissue matrix
Fibers
protein strands (collagen, elastic, reticular) that provide strength and support
Collagen fibers
strong fibers that provide tensile strength
Elastic fibers
fibers that allow tissue to stretch and recoil
Reticular fibers
fine fibers that form supportive networks
Muscle tissue types
Skeletal, cardiac, smooth
Skeletal muscle
voluntary muscle attached to bones that produces body movement
Cardiac muscle
involuntary muscle found only in the heart that pumps blood
Smooth muscle
involuntary muscle found in walls of hollow organs that move substances through passageways
Neuron
a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses
Neuroglia
supporting cells of nervous tissue that protect and support neurons
