Learn: Histology Tissue Types

Skeletal muscle

Attached to bones; voluntary movement and posture.

Cardiac muscle

Heart wall; pumps blood.

Smooth muscle

Walls of hollow organs; involuntary movement.

Neurons

Brain, spinal cord; transmit electrical signals.

Neuroglia / glial cells

Nervous system; support and nourish neurons.

Simple squamous epithelium

Alveoli, blood vessels; diffusion and filtration.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Kidney tubules; secretion and absorption.

Simple columnar epithelium

Stomach, intestines; absorption and secretion.

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Trachea; secretes mucus with cilia.

Transitional epithelium

Urinary bladder; stretches to allow expansion.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Skin, esophagus; protection from abrasion.

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

Gland ducts; protection and secretion.

Stratified columnar epithelium

Male urethra; protection and secretion.

Areolar connective tissue

Under epithelia; cushions organs.

Adipose tissue

Under skin; energy storage and insulation.

Dense regular connective tissue

Tendons, ligaments; strong attachment in one direction.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Dermis; resists tension in many directions.

Elastic connective tissue

Arteries; allows stretch and recoil.

Hyaline cartilage

Ribs, ends of long bones; support and cushioning.

Elastic cartilage

External ear; flexible support.

Fibrocartilage

Intervertebral discs; shock absorption.

Compact bone

Outer bone; support and protection.

Spongy bone

Bone interior; lightweight support and marrow.

Blood

Blood vessels; transports gases and nutrients.