Tissue Types

simple squamous epithelium

one layer of flattened epithelial cells; diffuses, absorbs, and secretes, found in the kidneys, lungs, and capillaries

simple cuboidal epithelium

one layer of cube-shaped epithelial cells; covers and lines glands, ducts, and tubules

simple columnar epithelium

one layer of rectangular-shaped epithelial cells; lines cavities open to the exterior of the body; digestive tract

pseudostratified ciliated epithelium

one layer of ciliated epithelial cells that look like more than one layer; found in the respiratory tract; secretes, absorbs, and protects

stratified squamous epithelium

multiple layers of flattened epithelial cells; found in areas with lots of friction; found in the skin

stratified cuboidal epithelium

multiple layers of cube-shaped epithelial cells; rare and highly specialized; found in ducts of large glands

stratified columnar epithelium

multiple layers of rectangular epithelial cells; rare and highly specialized; found in the ducts of large glands

osseous (bone) - connective

functions in support, blood cell production, and energy storage; found in skeleton

adipose (fat) - connective

functions in storage of energy, insulation, and protection of organs; found under skin and surrounding organs

dense fibrous - connective

functions in attachment; very strong; found in ligaments, tendons, and also makes up scar tissue

hyaline cartilage - connective

functions to maintain shape and flexibility; found on the ends of long bones

fibrocartilage - connective

functions to maintain shape and flexibility; found between the vertebrae

blood - connective

functions to transport gases, nutrients, and waste; found within the blood vessels

skeletal muscle

striated muscle containing many nuclei and mitochondria; found throughout the body and controlled by the somatic nervous system (voluntary)

cardiac muscle

mono or di-nucleated muscle cells containing striations; found exclusively in the heart; contains a high number of mitochondria and controlled by the autonomic nervous system (involuntary)

smooth muscle

non-striated muscle that are mono-nucleated and contain few mitochondria; found in organs of the digestive and reproductive systems and blood vessels, these tissues serve to propel material through the organs; involuntary

neuron - nervous

functions to transmit chemo-electrical impulses throughout the body; shaped like long wires

neuroglia - nervous

functions to support and nourish neurons; does NOT transmit electrical impulses