Types of Epithelial Tissue

Types of epithelial tissue

Connective tissue -Connective tissues are fibrous tissues. They are comprised of cells separated by non-living material, which is called extracellular matrix. Connective tissue holds other tissues together such as in the formation of organs, and has the ability to stretch and contract passively. Bone, often referred to as osseous tissue, and blood are examples of specialized connective tissues. Conective tissues are cells that are suspended in a matrix of their own secretions.

Muscle tissue -Muscle cells form the active contractile tissue of the body known as muscle tissue. Muscle tissue functions to produce force and cause motion, either locomotion or movement within internal organs. Muscle tissue is separated into three distinct categories: visceral or smooth muscle, which is found in the inner linings of organs; skeletal muscle, in which is found attached to bone providing for gross movement; and cardiac muscle which is found in the heart, allowing it to contract and pump blood throughout an organism.

Nervous tissue- Cells comprising the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system are classified as neural tissue. In the central nervous system, neural tissue forms the brain, cranial nerves and spinal cord and, in the peripheral nervous system forms the peripheral nerves, inclusive of the motor neurons.

Epithelial tissue- The epithelial tissues are formed by layers of cells that cover organ surfaces such as the surface of the skin, the airways, the reproductive tract, and the inner lining of the digestive tract. The cells comprising an epithelial layer are linked via semi-permeable, tight junctions; hence, this tissue provides a barrier between the external environment and the organism it covers. In addition to this protective function, epithelial tissue may also be specialized to function in secretion and absorption.

Squamous and cuboidal tissue - The simple squamous tissue looks like a geometric pattern when viewed from above and like an ant hill when viewed from the side. This tissue is located in the kidneys and lungs and acts as a filter. Simple cuboidal tissue is more proportionate than squamous tissue and has the same measurements on the vertical walls as on the horizontal surfaces. Simple cuboidal tissue is important for secretion and absorption and is located in the walls of gland ducts and in the tubules of the kidneys. The closely packed cells that look like an x-ray of human teeth make up the simple columnar tissue. This tissue, important for absorption and secretion, is located in the digestive regions from the stomach to the anus.

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