FOUR TYPES OF ANIMAL

TISSUES
EPITHELIAL TISSUE
(COVERING)
 Tightly­joined closely­packed cells
 One side of epithelium exposed to air 
or internal fluid, other side attached 
to a basement membrane, a dense 
mat of extracellular matrix 
(connective tissue)
 Covers the outside of the body and 
lines the internal organs and cavities
 Barrier against mechanical injury, 
invasive microorganisms, and fluid 
loss
 Provides surface for absorption, 
excretion and transport of molecules
TYPES OF
EPITHELIAL
TISSUE
 Cell shape
 Squamous
 Cuboidal
 Columnar
 Number of cell 
layers
 Simple
 Pseudostratified
 Columnar
 RELATE 
STRUCTURE TO 
FUNCTION!
CONNECTIVE TISSUE
(FRAMEWORK)
 Main function: 
binding and support 
other tissues
 Large amount of 
extra­cellular matrix 
with fewer cells
 Connective tissue cells 
secrete the extra­
cellular matrix 
 Extracellular matrix 
consists of network of 
fibers in liquid, jelly­
like or solid matrix
 Composed of long cells called
MUSCLE TISSUE

muscle fibers
(MOVEMENT)  Contraction  movement
NERVOUS TISSUE
(CONTROL)
 Senses stimuli 
and transmits 
signals called 
nerve impulses  Axon
from one part 
of an animal to 
another Dendrite
 Consists of a 
cell body and 
long extensions  Cell body
called dendrites 
(towards cell 
body) and 
axons (towards 
another cell or 
an effector)
 Tissue Type Epithelial Connective Muscle Nerve

Cell Shape Flattened, Irregular or round Elongated Cell appendages

cuboidal, branched
columnar
Cell Single  Scattered in In sheets or Isolated or
Arrangement multilayered matrix bundles networked

Location Body covering or Supports other Lining internal Concentrated in

lining organs or organs organs, make brain and spinal
cavities skeletal muscles cord + all over
the body
Surface Feature Cilia, microvilli - - -
of Cells

Matrix Type Basement Varied – protein - -

membrane fibers + liquid,
gelatinous, firm
to calcified
Matrix Amount Minimal Extensive Absent Absent

Unique Feature No direct blood Cartilage has no Can generate Can generate
supply, except for blood supply electrical signals, electrical signal
glands force and
movement