In animals, complex tissue structures are a hallmark of their multicellular organization.

Unlike
plants and fungi, animal cells lack cell walls and are often embedded in an extracellular matrix
composed of both organic and inorganic materials, such as bone, skin, or connective tissue. This
matrix provides structural support for cells and organs.

1. Epithelial Tissue. This covers the surface of the body (skin) and lines organs and cavities
inside (stomach lining). It provides protection, secretion, and absorption. Epithelial tissue
is tightly packed with cells and often forms sheets.

2. Connective Tissue. This is the most abundant tissue type and provides support, structure,
and connects other tissues. It has various subtypes, like bone, cartilage, blood, and loose
connective tissue. Connective tissue can be dense and packed with fibers, or loose and
filled with fluid.

3. Muscle Tissue. This allows for movement and contraction. There are three main types:
skeletal muscle (voluntary movement), smooth muscle (involuntary movement in
organs), and cardiac muscle (specific to the heart). Muscle tissue is organized in fibers
containing contractile proteins.

4. Nervous Tissue. This carries information throughout the body. It consists of neurons
(nerve cells) that transmit electrical signals and glial cells that support and protect the
neurons. Nervous tissue is highly organized with complex networks of nerve fibers.

These basic tissues can combine to form even more complex structures called organs. For
example, the skin is an organ that combines epithelial tissue (outer layer), connective tissue
(dermis), and sometimes even muscle tissue (hair follicles).

References
Libretexts. (2023, October 31). 27.1B: complex tissue structure. Biology LibreTexts.
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Book
%3A_General_Biology_%28Boundless%29/27%3A_Introduction_to_Animal_Diversity/
27.01%3A_Features_of_the_Animal_Kingdom/27.1B%3A_Complex_Tissue_Structure