3.1: Introduction to the Tissue Level of Organization
- Page ID
- 63374
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After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
- Identify the main tissue types and discuss their roles in the human body
- Identify the four types of tissue membranes and the characteristics of each that make them functional
- Explain the functions of various epithelial tissues and how their forms enable their functions
- Explain the functions of various connective tissues and how their forms enable their functions
- Describe the characteristics of muscle tissue and how these enable function
- Discuss the characteristics of nervous tissue and how these enable information processing and control of muscular and glandular activities
The body contains at least 200 distinct cell types. These cells contain essentially the same organelles, yet they vary enormously in shape and function. The different types of cells are not randomly distributed throughout the body; rather they are found in specific locations and arrangements, a level of structural organization referred to as tissue. Tissues are groups of similar cells and extracellular materials that carry out a common function. The micrograph below (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)) shows the high degree of organization among different cells in the tissues of the skin; they are organized into a dense, thick sheet to provide protection for your body. You can also see how that organization breaks down when cancer takes over the regular mitotic functioning of a cell (at arrow).
Among cells, the variety in shape reflects the many different roles that cells fulfill in your body. The human body starts as a single cell at fertilization. As this fertilized egg divides, it gives rise to trillions of cells, each built from the same blueprint, but organizing into tissues and becoming irreversibly committed to a developmental pathway.
Contributors and Attributions
OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology (CC BY 4.0). Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology