The Tissue Level of Organization: Lecture Slides Prepared by Curtis Defriez, Weber State University

Chapter 4
The Tissue Level

of Organization
Lecture slides prepared by Curtis DeFriez, Weber State University Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tissues
 Tissues are a group of cells with a common embryonic
origin that function together to carry out specialized
activities.
 They include various types,
ranging from hard (bone)

to semisolid (fat) to
liquid (blood).
Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tissues
 Histology is the study of the microscopic anatomy of
cells and tissues – it is a branch of pathology.
 Of the 10 trillion cells in our body, no single cell type
can said to be “typical”. A trained histologist can

recognize over 200 distinct human cell types under the
microscope and is able to distinguish a cell from
pancreatic tissue as opposed to a cell from the skin.
• Each cell type has features particular to its function.
The 4 Basic Tissues
 Of all the cells in the body, they combine to make only 4
basic tissue types:
 Epithelial tissues
 Connective tissues
 Muscular tissues
 Nervous tissues

The 4 Basic Tissues
 Epithelial tissues cover body surfaces and form glands
and line hollow organs, body cavities, and ducts.

The 4 Basic Tissues
 Connective tissues (C.T.) protect, support, and
bind organs.
 Fat is a type of C.T. that stores energy.
 Red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets are all C.T.

The 4 Basic Tissues
 Muscular tissues generate the physical force needed to
make body structures move. They also generate heat
used by the body.
 Nervous tissues detect changes in the body and respond
by generating nerve impulses.

The 4 Basic Tissues
 Tissues of the body develop from three primary germ
layers: Endoderm, Mesoderm, and Ectoderm
 Epithelial tissues from
all three germ layers

 C.T. and muscle are
derived from mesoderm.

 Nervous tissue
develops from
ectoderm.
Epithelium
 Epithelium is used to line surfaces and form protective
barriers. Epithelium is also good at secreting things like
mucous, hormones, and
other substances .
 All epithelia have a
free apical surface
and an attached
basal surface.
Epithelium
 The basal layer of the epithelium secretes a basal lamina;
the underlying C.T. secretes a reticular lamina.
 Together the basal
lamina and the reticular

lamina form a non-
cellular basement
membrane on which
the epithelium sits.

Epithelium
 Epithelia are named according to the shape of their
cells, and the thickness or arrangement of their layers
(of cells).

Epithelium

Epithelium
 Naming epithelia according to shape
Flat, wide “paving stone” Cells taller than they are

Cells as tall as they are wide
cells wide

Epithelium
 Naming epithelia according to arrangement
One layer. All cells in Appears to have layers, but in Two or more layers. Only
contact with basement reality all cells go from the basal layer in contact with
membrane apex to the base basement membrane

Epithelium
 Naming epithelia
 Three different cell shapes x three different cell
arrangements = nine possibilities. Two of these are not

used. Add transitional (cells that change shape), and
we’re back up to eight possible combinations.
 If different shapes are present in layers of cells, the
epithelium is always named by the shape of cells in the

apical (outermost) layer.
Epithelium
 Simple Squamous Epithelium is composed of a single
layer of flat cells found:
 In the air sacs of lungs
 In the lining of blood
vessels, the heart, and lymphatic vessels

 In all capillaries, including those of the kidney
 As the major part of a simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous
simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal
serous membrane simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar
transitional

Epithelium
 Simple Cuboidal Epithelium is composed of a single layer
of cube shaped cells.
 It is often found lining
the tubules of the

kidneys and many
other glands.
simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous
simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar
transitional

Epithelium
 Simple Columnar Epithelium forms a single layer of
column-like cells, ± cilia, ± microvilli, ± mucous (goblet
cells).
 Goblet cells are simple
columnar cells that

have differentiated to
acquire the ability to simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous
secrete mucous. simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar
transitional

Epithelium
 Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium appears to have
layers, due to nuclei which are at various depths. In
reality, all cells are attached to the basement
membrane in a single
layer, but some do not
extend to the apical surface.
 Ciliated tissue has simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous

goblet cells that simple columnar
pseudostratified stratified columnar
columnar
transitional
secrete mucous. Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.
Epithelium
 Stratified Squamous Epithelium has an apical surface that
is made up of squamous (flat) cells.
 The other layers have different
shapes, but the name is based

on the apical layer.
 The many layers are ideal for
protection against
simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous
strong friction simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal
forces. transitional

Epithelium
 Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium has an apical surface
made up of two or more layers of cube-shaped cells.
 Locations include the sweat
glands and part of the

♂ urethra
 Stratified Columnar Epithelium is very rare, and for
our purposes, hardly simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous
worth mentioning. simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar

transitional

Epithelium
 The cells of Transitional Epithelium change shape
depending on the state of stretch in the tissue.
 The apical “dome cells” of
the top layer (seen here in

relaxation) are an
identifiable feature and
signify an empty bladder . simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous
 In a full bladder, the simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal
cells are flattened. transitional

Epithelium
 Although epithelia are found throughout the body,
certain ones are
associated with specific
body locations.
 Stratified squamous
epithelium is a
prominent feature
of the outer layers
of the skin.
Epithelium
 Simple squamous makes up epithelial membranes and lines
the blood vessels.

 Columnar is common in the digestive tract.
 Pseudostratified ciliated
columnar is characteristic
of the upper respiratory tract.
 Transitional is found in
the bladder.
 Cuboidal lines ducts and
sweat glands.
Covering and Lining Epithelium
 Endothelium is a specialized simple squamous
epithelium that lines the entire circulatory system from
the heart to the smallest capillary – it is extremely
important in reducing turbulence of flow of blood.
 Mesothelium is found in serous membranes such as the
pericardium, pleura, and peritoneum.
 Unlike other epithelial tissue, both are derived from
embryonic mesoderm (the middle layer of the 3

primary germ layers of the embryo).
Connective Tissue
 Connective Tissues are the most abundant and widely
distributed tissues in the body – they are also the most
heterogeneous of the tissue groups.
 They perform numerous functions:
• Bind tissues together

• Support and strengthen tissue
• Protect and insulate internal organs
• Compartmentalize and transport
• Energy reserves and immune responses
Connective Tissues
 Collagen is the main protein of C.T. and the most
abundant protein in the body, making up about 25% of
total protein content.
 Connective tissue is usually
highly vascular and supplied
with many nerves.
 The exception is cartilage and
tendon - both have little or no

blood supply and no nerves.
Connective Tissues
 Although they are a varied group, all C.T. share a common
“theme”:
 Sparse cells
 Surrounded by an extracellular matrix
 The extracellular matrix is a non-cellular material located

between and around the cells.
 It consists of protein fibers and ground substance (the
ground substance may be fluid, semifluid, gelatinous, or

calcified.)
Cells Of Connective Tissues
 Common C.T. cells
 Fibroblasts are the most numerous cell of connective
tissues. These cells secrete protein fibers (collagen,

elastin, & reticular
fibers) and a
“ground substance”
which varies from
one C.T. to another.
Cells of Connective Tissues
 Of the other common C.T. cells:
 Chondrocytes make the various cartilaginous C.T.
 Adipocytes store triglycerides.
 Osteocytes make bone.
 White blood cells are part of the blood.

Connective Tissues
 There are 5 types of white blood cells (WBCs):
 Macrophages are the “big eaters” that swallow and
destroy invaders or debris. They can be fixed or

wandering.
 Neutrophils are also macrophages (“small eaters”) that
are numerous in the blood.

 Mast cells and Eosinophils play an important role in
inflammation.
 Lymphocytes secrete antibody proteins and attack
invaders. Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.
Connective Tissues
 C.T. cells secrete 3 common fibers:
 Collagen fibers
 Elastin fibers
 Reticular fibers

Connective Tissues
 This graphic represents a collage of different C.T.
elements (cells and fibers) and not a specific C.T.

Connective Tissue Classification
 Embryonic connective tissue
 Mesenchyme
 Mucous connective tissue
 Mature connective tissue

 Loose connective tissue
 Dense connective tissue
 Cartilage
 Bone
 Liquid
Embryonic Connective Tissues
 There are 2 Embryonic Connective Tissues:
 Mesenchyme gives rise to all other connective tissues.
 Mucous C.T. (Wharton's Jelly) is a gelatinous substance
within the umbilical cord and is a rich source of stem cells.

Mature Connective Tissues
 Loose Connective Tissues
 Areolar Connective Tissue is the most widely distributed in
the body. It contains several types of cells and all three

fiber types.
• It is used to attach skin and underlying tissues, and as a
packing between glands, muscles, and nerves.
 Adipose
 Reticular

 Loose areolar
 Adipose tissue is located in the subcutaneous layer deep
to the skin and around organs and joints.

• It reduces heat loss and serves as padding and as an
energy source.
 Reticular

 Loose areolar
 Adipose
 Reticular connective tissue is a network of interlacing
reticular fibers and cells.

• It forms a scaffolding used by cells of lymphoid
tissues such as the
spleen and
lymph nodes.

 Dense Connective Tissues
 Dense Irregular Connective Tissue consists
predominantly of fibroblasts and collagen fibers

randomly arranged.
• It provides strength when forces are pulling from
many different directions.
 Dense regular
 Elastic

 Dense Irregular
 Dense regular Connective Tissue comprise tendons,
ligaments, and other strong attachments where the

need for strength along one axis is mandatory (a
muscle pulling on a bone).
 Elastic

 Dense Irregular
 Dense regular
 Elastic Connective Tissue consists predominantly of
fibroblasts and freely branching elastic fibers.

• It allows stretching of certain tissues like the elastic
arteries (the
aorta).

 Cartilage is a tissue with poor blood supply that grows
slowly. When injured or inflamed, repair is slow.
 Hyaline cartilage is the most abundant type of
cartilage; it covers the ends of long bones and parts of

the ribs, nose, trachea, bronchi, and larynx.
• It provides a smooth surface for joint movement.
 Fibrocartilage
 Elastic cartilage

 Cartilage
 Hyaline cartilage
 Fibrocartilage, with its thick bundles of collagen
fibers, is a very strong, tough cartilage.

• Fibrocartilage discs in the intervertebral spaces and
the knee joints support the huge loads up and down
the long axis
of the body.
 Elastic cartilage

 Cartilage
 Hyaline cartilage
 Fibrocartilage
 Elastic cartilage consists of chondrocytes located in a
threadlike network of elastic fibers.

• It makes up the malleable part of the external ear and
the
epiglottis.

 Bone is a connective tissue with a calcified intracellular
matrix. In the right circumstances, the chondrocytes of
cartilage are capable of turning into the osteocytes that
make up bone tissue.
 We will study bone in detail in Chapter 6.

 Blood and lymph are atypical liquid connective tissues
that we will study in Chapters 19 and 22. As we have
seen, blood has many cells. It also has fibers (such as
fibrin that makes blood clot).

Summary of Mature Connective Tissues

Muscle and Nerve Tissues
 Muscles and nerve tissues are the last of the 4 basic
tissue types. Neurons and muscle fibers are considered
excitable cells because they exhibit electrical
excitability, the ability to respond to certain stimuli by
producing electrical signals such as action potentials.
 Action potentials can propagate (travel) along the
plasma membrane of a neuron or muscle fiber due to

the presence of specific voltage-gated ion channels.
 Each will be studied in depth in upcoming chapters.

Muscle and Nerve Tissues

Epithelial Membranes
 Combining two tissues creates an organ. However, most
of the organs and all of the organs systems studied this
year contain all 4 basic types of tissues.
 Epithelial membranes are the simplest organs in the
body, constructed of only epithelium and a little bit of
connective tissue.

 Epithelial membranes = epithelium + connective tissue
 Mucous membranes
 Serous membranes
 Cutaneous membrane = skin

 Mucous membranes line “interior” body surfaces open
to the outside:
 Digestive tract
 Respiratory tract
 Reproductive tract
 Serous membranes line some internal surfaces:
 Parietal layer next to body wall
 Serous fluid between layers
 Visceral layer next to organ

 Skin as a cutaneous membrane is studied in Chapter 5.

Synovial Membranes
 Synovial membranes enclose certain joints and are
made of connective tissue only.

Glands
 Epithelial glands are another example of simple organs
 Glands that secrete their contents directly into the
blood are called endocrine glands.

 Glands that secrete their contents into a lumen or duct
are called exocrine glands.

Exocrine Glands
 Exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to the
surface of the skin or into the lumen of a hollow organ.
 Secretions of the exocrine gland include mucus, sweat,
oil, earwax, saliva, and digestive enzymes.
 Examples of exocrine glands are sudoriferous (sweat)
glands.

Exocrine Glands
 The criteria for categorizing multicellular glands
according to function is based on the manner in which
the gland secretes its product from inside the cell to the
outside environment.
 Merocrine
 Apocrine
 Holocrine

Exocrine Glands
 Merocrine secretion is the most common manner of
secretion.
 The gland releases its product by exocytosis and no
part of the gland is lost or damaged .

Exocrine Glands
 Apocrine glands “bud” their secretions off through the
plasma membrane, producing membrane-bound vesicles
in the lumen of the gland.
 The end of the cell breaks off by “decapitation”, leaving
a milky, viscous odorless fluid.
 This type of sweat only develops a strong odor
when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin
surface.

Exocrine Glands
 Holocrine secretions are produced by rupture of the
plasma membrane, releasing the entire cellular contents
into the lumen and killing the cell (cells are replaced by
rapid division of stem cells.)
 The sebaceous gland is an example of a holocrine
gland, because its secretion (sebum) is released with
remnants of
dead cells.

Tissue Repair
 A convenient way to refer to certain cells when discussing a
tissue is Parenchyma or Stroma.
 The parenchymal cells of an organ consist of that tissue
which conducts the specific function of the organ. Cells of

the stroma are everything else—connective tissue, blood
vessels, nerves.
 For example: The parenchyma of the heart is cardiac muscle
cells. The nerves, intrinsic blood vessels, and connective
tissue of the heart comprise the stroma.
Tissue Repair
 Parenchyma is interesting. Because organ-specific
function usually centers on parenchymal cells (“how’s
your heart working?”), histological and physiological
descriptions of the tissues of an organ often emphasize
parenchyma.
 Unfortunately, stroma is commonly ignored as just
boring background tissue. No organ, however, can
function without the mechanical and nutritional support
provided by the stroma. Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tissue Repair
 When tissue damage is extensive, return to homeostasis
depends on active repair of both parenchymal cells and
stroma.
 Fibroblasts divide rapidly.
 New collagen fibers are manufactured.
 New blood capillaries supply materials for healing.
 All of these processes create an actively growing

connective tissue called granulation tissue.
Aging and Tissues
 Tissue heals faster in young adults.
 Surgery of a fetus normally leaves no scars.
 Young tissues have a better nutritional state, blood
supply, and higher metabolic rate.
 Extracellular components also change with age.
 Changes in the body’s use of glucose, collagen, and
elastic fibers contribute to the aging process.

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What are the 4 basic tissue types?

What are the 4 basic tissue types?

What are the 3 primary germ layers that tissues develop from?

What are the 3 primary germ layers that tissues develop from?

Chapter 4

The Tissue Level

ranging from hard (bone)

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

can said to be “typical”. A trained histologist can

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

and line hollow organs, body cavities, and ducts.

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

 Red blood cells, white blood cells, and

platelets are all C.T.

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

all three germ layers

derived from mesoderm.

lamina and the reticular

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Flat, wide “paving stone” Cells taller than they are

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

arrangements = nine possibilities. Two of these are not

epithelium is always named by the shape of cells in the

 In the lining of blood

vessels, the heart, and lymphatic vessels

 As the major part of a simple squamous pseudostratified squamous stratified squamous

simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal

serous membrane simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

the tubules of the

simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal

simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

columnar cells that

simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal

secrete mucous. simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal

shapes, but the name is based

strong friction simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal

simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

glands and part of the

simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal

worth mentioning. simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

the top layer (seen here in

 In a full bladder, the simple cuboidal pseudostratified cuboidal stratified cuboidal

simple columnar pseudostratified columnar stratified columnar

cells are flattened. transitional

Copyright © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

the blood vessels.

embryonic mesoderm (the middle layer of the 3

• Bind tissues together

tendon - both have little or no