Connective Tissue

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Histology Noun

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[his-tol-uh-jee]

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Histology

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The scientific study of the microscopic structure of tissues, focusing on the shape and arrangement of cells.

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Example: This image displays the four primary types of animal tissue that are studied in histology: connective, epithelial, muscle, and nervous tissue.

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Tissue Noun

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[tish-oo]

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Tissue

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A group or layer of specialized cells that work together to perform a specific, common function in an organism.

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Example: This diagram shows that tissue is one level of biological organization, made up of many cells and forming larger structures like organs.

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Epithelial Tissue Noun

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[ep-i-thee-lee-ul tish-oo]

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Epithelial Tissue

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Tissue that covers exterior body surfaces, lines internal cavities and passageways, and forms certain glands for secretion.

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Example: This micrograph shows a layer of tall, column-shaped epithelial cells sitting directly on top of the underlying connective tissue, illustrating their close relationship.

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Connective Tissue Noun

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[kuh-nek-tiv tish-oo]

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Connective Tissue

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A primary tissue type that binds cells and organs together, providing protection, support, and integration for body parts.

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Example: This image compares two types of dense connective tissue, showing how organized (regular) or randomly arranged (irregular) collagen fibers give the tissue structure.

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Muscle Tissue Noun

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[muhs-uhl tish-oo]

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Muscle Tissue

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An excitable tissue that responds to stimulation by contracting and relaxing, thereby producing movement within the body.

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Example: This diagram shows how a whole skeletal muscle is a bundle of smaller units called fascicles, which are themselves bundles of even smaller muscle fibers.

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Nervous Tissue Noun

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[nur-vuhs tish-oo]

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Nervous Tissue

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An excitable tissue that propagates electrochemical signals to facilitate communication between different regions of the body.

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Example: This diagram shows a neuron, the main cell of nervous tissue. It labels key parts like the dendrites that receive signals and the axon that sends them.

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Areolar Tissue Noun

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[uh-ree-uh-ler tish-oo]

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Areolar Tissue

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A type of loose connective tissue that forms delicate, thin layers to bind organs and hold them in place.

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Example: This diagram shows areolar tissue, a type of connective tissue with a loose web of collagen and elastin fibers, and cells called fibroblasts.

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Adipose Tissue Noun

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[ad-i-pohs tish-oo]

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Adipose Tissue

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A type of connective tissue, also known as fat, that protects organs, insulates the body, and stores energy.

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Example: This image shows that adipose tissue, a type of connective tissue, is a layer of fat found beneath the skin made up of individual fat cells called adipocytes.

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Bone Tissue Noun

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[bohn tish-oo]

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Bone Tissue

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A hard, mineralized connective tissue that supports, protects, and provides a structural framework for the body's organs.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of a bone, revealing the outer layer of hard compact bone and the inner, porous spongy bone tissue.

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Blood Tissue Noun

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[bluhd tish-oo]

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Blood Tissue

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A fluid connective tissue that transports gases and nutrients, defends against disease, and facilitates blood clotting.

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Example: This image shows a microscopic view of blood tissue, identifying its main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.