Lesson 2: Classification of Tissues
This exercise is designed to introduce students to the four major tissue types and respective subcategories utilizing microscopic observation. Also of importance is the function of each tissue type which is the result of its anatomical characteristics. The following chart contains the more prominent anatomical characteristics exhibited by each major/primary tissue type which should assist you in identification and learning functional aspects of each tissue type.
| EPITHELIUM | CONNECTIVE TISSUE | MUSCLE TISSUE | NERVOUS TISSUE |
| closely packed cells | composed of many cell types | elongated cells; specialized for contraction | specialized for communication; contain communication and support cells |
| cells have a free surface; apical surface | observe a nonliving materal between cells, termed the matrix, which contains visible fibers | striated; skeletal and cardiac only | neuron, communication cell, have input and output regions, in addition to a processing center |
| cells sit atop a basement membrane, cellular side termed basal surface | neuroglia, or glial cells, protect, support and insulate neurons |
In addition, knowing the anatomical characteristics and functions of each tissue type assists in learning where they are found.
Assignment:
Work through the following series of histology slides by identifying the tissue type represented by each slide and answering questions.
| Slide 1 | Slide 2 | Slide 3 | Slide 4 | Slide 5 | Slide 6 |
| Slide 7 | Slide 8 | Slide 9 | Slide 10 | Slide 11 | Slide 12 |
| Slide 13 | Slide 14 | Slide 15 | Slide 16 | Slide 17 | Slide 18 |