Basic Tissue Types

Connective Tissue protects and supports other tissues.  It is distinguished by a matrix composed of ground substance and fibers produced by its cells.  Examples of connective tissues are bone, blood, and cartilage.  Click on the links below for more information and images on the three subcategories of connective tissue.

• Loose

• Dense

• Cartilage

• Others

Epithelial Tissue forms interior and exterior linings of the body.  It has many functions including protection, absorption, filtration, secretion, and excretion.  Epithelial tissues are named according to the shape of the cells (squamous, cuboidal, or columnar) and the arrangement of the cells (simple or stratified).  Click on the links below for more information and images on each subcategory.

• Simple Squamous

• Simple Cuboidal

• Simple Columnar

• Stratified Squamous

• Stratified Cuboidal

• Stratified Columnar

• Pseudostratified Columnar

• Transitional

Muscle Tissue contracts to produce movement.  Skeletal muscle tissue attaches to either bones or skin and is controlled voluntarily.  Smooth muscle is found mainly in organs and contracts involuntarily.  Cardiac muscle is specialized tissue found in the heart. For more information and images of the different muscle types click on the links below.

• Skeletal Muscle

• Smooth Muscle

• Cardiac Muscle

Nervous Tissue transmits impulses throughout the body.  It is composed of neurons and supporting cells called neuroglia.  Click here to link to the nervous system page.