Tissues – definition, classification, origin and general properties

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Tissues are groups of cells which are similar in structure and which perform common or related
function. Tissues have two interacting components: cells and extra-cellular matrix. The ECM consists
of many kinds of macromolecules, most of which form complex structures such as collagen fibrils
and basement membranes. The ECM supports the cells and the fluid that transport nutrients to the
cells, and carries away their catabolites and secretory products.
There are four basic types of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous tissue. Epithelial
tissue is composed of closely aggregated polyhedral cells with very little extracellular substance. Its
main function is lining of the surface of body cavities and glandular secretion. Connective tissue is
characterized by the abundance of extracellular material produced in its cells. Its main function is for
support and protection. Muscular tissue is composed of elongated cells specialised for contraction
and movements. Nervous tissue is composed of cells with elongated processes extending from the
cell body that have specialised for receiving, generating and transmitting nerve impulses.
Most organs can be divided into parenchyma, which is composed of the cells responsible for the
organ’s specialized functions, and stroma, the cells of which have a supporting role in the organ.
Except in the brain and spinal cord, the stroma is always connective tissue.
Epithelial tissue – definition, classification, origin, characteristics and
function
Epithelial tissue are composed of closely aggregated polyhedral cells with strong adhesion to one
another and attached to a thin layer of ECM. Epithelia are cellular sheets that line the cavities of
organs and cover the body surface. Their principal functions include: protection of underlying tissue
of the body from abrasion and injury, secretion of mucus, hormones, enzymes etc. from various
glands, absorption of material from a lumen, detection of sensations via taste buds, retina of the eye
and contractility (e.g. myoepithelial cells).
Epithelia can be divided into two main groups: covering and secretory. Cells of covering epithelia are
organized into one or more layers that cover the external surface or line the cavities of an organ.
Such epithelia are classified according to the number of cell layers and the cell morphology in the
surface layer. Glandular epithelium are glands which originate from invaginated epithelial cells.
Epithelial tissues are derived from all of the embryological germ layers: from ectoderm (e.g. the
epidermis of the skin), from endoderm (e.g. the lining of the gastrointestinal tract), from mesoderm
(e.g. the inner lining of body cavities).
Most epithelia rest on connective tissue that provides support and nutrition to the epithelium as
well as bind it to underlying structures. Epithelial cells generally show polarity, with organelles and
membrane proteins distributed unevenly within the cell. The region of the cell contacting the
connective tissue is called the basal pole and the opposite end, usually facing a space, is the apical
pole. The two poles of epithelial cells differ both in structure and function. Regions of cuboidal or
columnar cells that adjoin the neighbouring cells are the lateral surfaces; cell membranes here often
have numerous infolding to increase the area of that surface, increasing its functional capacity.

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