A tissue is a group of cells with similar structure and function, plus the extracellular substance

surrounding them.

Histology is the study of tissues.

Types of Tissues

1. Epithelial – a covering or lining tissue (absorbing, secreting) [Epithelium].

a. Covers and protects surfaces, both outside and inside the body.
b. Included under the classification of epithelial tissue are the exocrine and endocrine
glands.
c. Characteristics of Epithelial Tissues
i. Mostly composed of cells
ii. Covers body surfaces
iii. Distinct cell surfaces
iv. Cell and matrix connections
v. Nonvascular
vi. Capable of regeneration
d. Functions of Epithelial Tissues
i. Protects underlying structures
ii. Acts as a barrier
iii. Permits passage of substances
iv. Secretes substances
v. Absorption of substances
e. Classification of Epithelia
i. Epithelial tissues are classified primarily according to the number of cell layers
and the shape of the superficial cells.
ii. The cell layers can be simple, stratified or pseudostratified [false]
iii. The cell shapes can be squamous, cuboidal, columnar, or a special transitional
shape, that varies the degree of stretch.
1. Simple (single) consists of a single layer of cells, with each cell extending
from the basement membrane to the surface.
2. Stratified – more than one layer of cells, but only the basal layer
attaches the deepest layer to the basement membrane.
3. Pseudostratified a special type of simple epithelium that appears to be
falsely stratified.
4. Shapes
a. Squamous cells are flat or scalelike.
b. Cuboidal cells are cube-shaped – about as wide as they are tall
[equal]
c. Columnar cells tend to be taller than they are wide [like column,
like poste]
5. Simple Squamous Epithelium single layer of thin, flat cells.
a. Some substances easily pass but some do not.
b. Lung – allows gas exchange
 c. Kidney – filters waste from the blood while keeping blood cells
inside the blood vessels
6. Simple Cuboidal Epithelium – single layer of cube like cells that carry out
active transport, facilitated diffusion, or secretion.
a. Have a greater secretory capacity than simple squamous
epithelial cells.
7. Simple Columnar Epithelium is a single layer of tall thin cells.
a. Large size of these cells enables them to perform complex
function, such as secretion.
8. Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium secretes mucus, which covers its
free surface.
a. Cilia in the airways move the mucus and accumulated debris
toward the throat, where it is swallowed.
9. Stratified Squamous Epithelium forms a thick epithelium because it
contains several layers of cells. Though the deepest cells are cuboidal or
columnar and are capable of dividing and producing new cells, the
naming is based on the shape of the surface cells.
a. Keratinized – makes up outer layer of skin. It reduces the loss of
water from the body.
b. Non-Keratinized – moist, provides protection against abrasion
and acts as a mechanical barrier. Water, however, can move
across it more readily than across the skin (keratinized). [mouth,
throat, larynx, esophagus, anus, vagina, inferior urethra and
cornea.]
10. Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium more than one layer of cuboidal epithelial
cells. Found in sweat glands a
11. Stratified Columnar Epithelium –
12. Transitional Epithelium is a special type of stratified epithelium that can
be greatly stretched. The shape of the cell changed as the epithelium is
stretched.
iv.
f.
2. Connective – a diverse primary tissue type that makes up part of every organ in the body.
3. Muscle – a tissue that contracts or shortens, making movement possible.
4. Nervous – responsible for coordinating and controlling many body activities. [Nervous system –
nervous tissue//Control Center]
5.