Tissue Types and Definitions
Tissue:
A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function. Tissues form the building
blocks of organs.
Animal Tissues:
Tissues found in animals categorized into epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous types. They
perform various functions like protection, support, and movement.
Plant Tissues:
Tissues in plants classified as meristematic or permanent based on cell division capacity. They help
in growth, support, and transport.
Epithelial Tissues:
Tissues forming the outer and inner lining of body surfaces and organs. They protect and help in
absorption and secretion.
Squamous epithelium:
A thin, flat layer of cells found in areas requiring smooth flow of fluids. It allows diffusion and filtration
(e.g., alveoli).
Cuboidal epithelium:
Cube-shaped cells found in kidney tubules and glands. They function in secretion and absorption.
Columnar epithelium:
Tall, column-like cells often found in the intestines. They help in absorption and secretion of
digestive enzymes.
Ciliated epithelium:
Columnar cells with cilia on their surface found in the respiratory tract. They help move mucus and
foreign particles.
Stratified epithelium:
Multiple layers of cells providing protection against mechanical and chemical stress. Found in the
skin and mouth.
Meristematic Tissues:
Undifferentiated plant cells capable of continuous division. They are responsible for plant growth.
Apical meristem:
Found at the tips of roots and shoots. It enables lengthwise growth of the plant.
Intercalary meristem:
Located at the base of leaves or internodes. It helps in the regrowth of grass and other monocots.
Lateral meristem:
Found in the sides of stems and roots. It causes the plant to increase in thickness (secondary
growth).
Connective Tissues:
Tissues that support, bind, or separate other tissues and organs. They include fibrous, adipose,
cartilage, bone, and blood.
Areolar tissue:
Loose connective tissue found between skin and muscles. It provides support and elasticity.
Adipose tissue:
Fat-storing connective tissue located under the skin and around organs. It insulates and stores
energy.
Fibrous tissue:
Dense tissue with tightly packed fibers, found in tendons and ligaments. It connects muscles to
bones and bones to bones.
Supportive connective tissues:
Includes cartilage and bone that provide structure and support to the body. These tissues are strong
and flexible.
Fluid connective tissue:
Blood and lymph that transport substances throughout the body. They also help in defense and
regulation.
Muscle Tissues:
Tissues responsible for movement in the body. They include skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
Skeletal muscles:
Voluntary muscles attached to bones. They help in body movement and posture.
Smooth muscles:
Involuntary muscles found in internal organs. They help in functions like digestion and blood flow.
Cardiac muscles:
Muscles found only in the heart. They are involuntary and contract rhythmically to pump blood.
Nervous Tissues:
Tissues made up of neurons and glial cells. They transmit electrical signals and coordinate body
functions.
Protective Tissues of Plants:
Mainly epidermis that forms the outer layer of cells. It protects against water loss and injury.
Permanent tissues:
Mature plant tissues with no cell division. They are classified as simple or complex.
Simple Permanent Tissues:
Composed of similar types of cells. Includes parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.
Parenchyma:
Living cells with thin walls found in soft plant parts. They store food and help in photosynthesis.
Collenchyma:
Living cells with unevenly thickened walls. They provide flexible support to growing parts of plants.
Sclerenchyma:
Dead cells with thick, lignified walls. They provide mechanical strength to plant parts.
Complex Permanent Tissues:
Made of different types of cells. Includes xylem and phloem for transport.
Xylem:
Conducts water and minerals from roots to other parts. It also gives mechanical support.
Phloem:
Transports food from leaves to the rest of the plant. It contains sieve tubes and companion cells.