Levels of Biological

Organization
What are these?
 This type of tissue is commonly seen outside the body as
coverings or as linings of organs and cavities. Epithelial
tissues are characterized by closely-joined cells with tight
junctions. Being tightly packed, tight junctions serve as
barriers for pathogens, mechanical injuries, and fluid loss.
Epithelial Cells
Cells that make up epithelial tissues can have
distinct arrangements:

1. Cuboidal- for secretion

Simple Columnar- brick-shaped
cells, for secretion and active absorption
Simple Squamous- plate-like cells; for exchange of material
through diffusion
Stratified Squamous- multilayered and regenerates quickly,; for
protection
Pseudo-stratified Columnar-
single layer of cells; may just look stacked
because of varying height; for lining of
respiratory tract; usually lined with cilia
Connective Tissue
Blood- made up of plasma (liquid extracellular matrix); contains water,
salts, and dissolved proteins; erythrocytes that carry oxygen (RBC),
leukocytes for defense (WBC), and platelets for blood clotting.
Connective Tissue Proper(CTP)- made up of loose connective tissue that
is found in the skin and fibrous connective tissue that is made up of
collagenous fibers found in tendons and ligaments. Adipose tissues are
also examples of loose connective tissues that store fats which functions
to insulate the body and store energy.
Cartilage – characterized by collagenous fibers embedded inchondroitin
sulfate. Chondrocytes are the cells that secrete collagen and chondroitin
sulfate. Cartilage functions as cushion between bones.
Bone – mineralized connective tissue made by bone-forming cells called
osteoblasts which deposit collagen. The matrix of collagen is combined
with calcium, magnesium, and phosphate ions to make the bone hard.
Blood vessels and nerves are found at a central canal surrounded by
concentric circles of osteons.
 Muscle Tissue = these tissues are composed of long cells called muscle
fibers that allow the body to move voluntary or involuntary. Movement
of muscles is a response to signals coming from nerve cells.
 Nervous Tissue – these tissues are composed of nerve cells called
neurons and glial cells that function as support cells. These neurons
sense stimuli and transmit electrical signals throughout the animal body.
Neurons connect to other neurons to send signals.