Introduction
The human body is made up of many types of cells. However, these cells are broadly categorized into four tissues namely epithelial, nervous, muscle and connective tissues. Each of these tissue categories is characterized by particular functions which contribute to the general maintenance and health of the body. As such, a disruption in the structure of these tissues is a disease or injury sign and can be detected by histology, which is the study of function, organization, and appearance of tissue under a microscope. Therefore, learning about the roles and structure of these tissues offers a firm basis for the understanding of how organs, such as the heart, work in the body. On this background, this paper focuses on discussing the structure and function of nervous, epithelial, muscle and connective tissues. Then finally, the article will conclude with a paragraph.
Epithelial Tissue
Epithelial tissue refers to sheets of cells which covering all the body surfaces exposed to the world outside, lining the organ surfaces, and forms various glands in the body (Betts et al., 2013). Examples of the organ surfaces with epithelial tissue lining include the hollow viscera inner lining like respiratory tubes and stomach (digestive tract), peritoneal cavity, reproductive system, urinary system, and all blood vessels lining (Martini, 2007). Epithelial tissue is derived from all the three primary layers of germ cell namely, ectoderm which forms the covering of skin, part of the nose, mouth, eyes ears, and the anus. Mesoderm which forms the epithelial lining of vessels in the cardiovascular and lymphatic system, and endoderm which forms cells lining the majority of the digestive system and airways (Tortora, & Grabowski, 2008).
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The generalized epithelial tissue functions include providing the first protection line of the body from biological, chemical, and physical tear and wear. Second, epithelium cells perform diffusion function, that is, they act as the body gatekeepers controlling permeability and permitting transfer of selective materials across a membrane (physical barrier). Third, most of the epithelial cells can perform secretion and release function of the mucus and other compounds on top of their apical exteriors (Betts et al., 2013).
Connective Tissue
Connective tissue is composed of cells dispersed in the matrix. The matrix entails a high amount of extracellular material which is essential for the functioning of connective tissues. These tissues also vary in their physical properties due to their differences in the extracellular matrix composition and cells type; however, they share same structural elements: fibers, ground substance, and cells (Betts et al., 2013). Its principal function is to connect and support other tissues in the body. Besides, connective tissues offer protection in the form of bones and fibrous capsules which safeguard delicate organs and skeletal system. Additionally, specialized fluid connective tissue transports nutrients, waste, fluids, and chemical messengers (Martini, 2007).
Muscle Tissue
Muscle tissue is composed of three types of muscles namely; skeletal muscle which is attached to and covering bones and near entrance body points such as mouth and anus. The other one is cardiac muscle which confined exclusively to the heart; and smooth muscle located in the hollow organs and passageways walls such as the stomach, respiratory, urinary bladder, intestines and blood vessels (Martini, 2007). Skeletal muscle helps involuntary movement, protects organs, and produces heat while cardiac muscle contracts to pump blood. Smooth muscle, on the other hand, assists in involuntary movement, moves secretion, moves foods, regulates blood flow in arteries through the contraction and helps in involuntary control of respiration (Betts et al., 2013).
Nervous Tissue
Nervous tissue is the main nervous organ component- the spinal cord, nerves and the brain- which controls and regulate functions of the body. It contains two cell types; neurons and neuroglia. Neurons conduct and generate electrical impulses while neuroglia performs a vital role in supporting neurons through nourishing, protecting and insulating the neurons (Betts et al., 2013).
In conclusion, it is evident from the discussion the importance the four tissues have in the function and health of the body. Therefore, their study and understanding of each of them are essential to enable adequate response by a physician to any malfunction due to injury or disease to any of the tissues.
References
Betts, J. G et al. Anatomy & physiology. (2013). Open Stax College .
Martini, F. (2007). Anatomy and Physiology'2007 Ed . Rex Bookstore, Inc...
Tortora, G. J., & Grabowski, S. R. (2008). Introduction to the human body . Harper & Row.
