What is tissue | 'Tissue Types and Functions: Your Body's Inner Workings Explained'

Tissue is a group of cells that perform a specific function in an organism. There are four main types of tissue in the body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous. Epithelial tissue lines organs and body cavities, connective tissue supports and connects other tissues, muscle tissue is responsible for movement, and nervous tissue makes up the brain and nerves.

Epithelial tissue is a type of tissue that lines organs and body cavities. It acts as a barrier and protects the body from external threats. It also helps to transport substances in and out of the body. Epithelial tissue is divided into two main categories: covering and lining epithelium. Covering epithelium is found on the surface of the body, such as the skin, and lining epithelium is found on the internal organs and body cavities.

Connective tissue is a type of tissue that supports and connects other tissues. It is made up of a variety of cells and fibers that provide strength and support to the body. Connective tissue can be divided into several categories such as loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, cartilage, and bone. Connective tissue is found in various parts of the body such as the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bone.

Muscle tissue is a type of tissue that is responsible for movement. There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that is attached to bones and is responsible for voluntary movement. Smooth muscle is found in the walls of internal organs and is responsible for involuntary movement. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is responsible for pumping blood.

Nervous tissue is a type of tissue that makes up the brain and nerves. It is responsible for transmitting and processing information in the body. Nervous tissue can be divided into two main categories: neurons and glial cells. Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical impulses, while glial cells provide support and protection for the neurons.

In plants, there are additional types of tissues such as meristematic, ground, and vascular tissue. Meristematic tissue is responsible for growth and development in plants. Ground tissue is found in between the epidermis and the vascular tissue, and it is responsible for photosynthesis and storage. Vascular tissue is responsible for transport of water, minerals, and sugars throughout the plant.