ANIMAL TISSUE
Prepared by:
Sachin khadka
Tissue
a group of one or more types of cells having a same origin and specialized for specific
functions.
All cells are well organized and coordinated to work in a group.
A group of similar cells along with intercellular substances perform a specific function,
such an organization is called tissue.
The term ‘tissue’ was introduced by Bichat and he is known as the father of animal
histology.
The cell receives almost all the materials it requires from the intercellular fluid and
transfers its waste materials again in this fluid.
The microscopic study of the tissues and organs in relation to their function is called
Histology.
Tissue term coined by : Bichat
Father of histology: Malphighi
The term Histology was coined by Mayer, in 1819.
The tissues arise from the undifferentiated cells of the primary germ layers (ectoderm,
mesoderm and endoderm) in an embryo.
The structure of the cells vary according to their function.
This variation in cells leads to the formation of four types of tissues on the basis of their
location and function:
Types of tissue
• (i) Epithelial tissue
• (ii) Connective tissue
• (iii) Muscular tissue
• (iv) Neural/ nervous tissue
I. Epithelial Tissue
Epithelial tissue or epithelium covers both external and internal surfaces of the animal
body.
The epithelial tissue has a free surface, which faces either a body fluid or the outside
environment and thus, provides a covering or a lining for some part of the body.
Characteristics
The characteristic features of epithelial tissue are as follows
(i) The cells are compactly arranged.
(iii) Adjacent cells are held together by intercellular junctions.
(iv) The epithelial tissue lies on a thin, non-cellular basement membrane.
(v) Blood vessels are not present in the epithelial tissue.
(vi) Materials are exchanged by diffusion between epithelial cells and the blood vessels
of the connective tissues across the basement membrane.
Epithelial Cells: junctions
The common intercellular junctions are:
Tight Junctions
The plasma membrane in the apical region of the adjacent epithelial cells
become tightly packed together. These junctions check the flow of materials
between the cells and are called occluding junctions.
Adhering Junctions
Facilitate the cementing process so as to keep the neighboring cells together.
They include desmosomes and gap junctions.
Desmosomes
These are thick and strong junctions. They serve, anchoring
functions.
Gap Junctions
They are fine hydrophilic channels between adjacent cells
formed with the help of protein cylinders called connexin.
They help in chemical exchange between adjacent cells and
hence are called communicating junctions.
Types of Epithelial Tissues
i. Simple epithelia
cells in single layer
ii. Compound epithelia (stratified epithelia)
cells in multiple layers
iii. Transitional epithelium
also in multi layers but
becomes 1 to 2 layers when
stretched.
Shape of cells-
i. Flat- squamous
ii. Cuboid- cube shape
iii. Columnar- column
Simple Epithelia
Simple epithelium is made up of a single layer of compactly arranged cells
rest over a non-cellular basement membrane.
It occurs over moist surfaces where a little wear and tear occurs by friction.
The simple epithelium is generally related with absorption, secretion, diffusion
and movement of materials.
It is further sub-divided into following types:
i. Squamous
ii. Cuboidal
iii.Columnar
i. Simple Squamous Epithelium
The squamous is formed of a single layer of closely fitted, flattened, polygonal
cells, with irregular boundaries.
The given cells are held together by various types of junctions, mainly tight
junctions.
The cells of squamous epithelium appear as tiles over a floor. They are also
known as pavement epithelium.
Location- in the alveoli of the lungs, Bowman’s capsule, Henle’s loop of
uriniferous tubules, pericardial cavity, abdominal cavity, lining of various
components of blood vascular system.
Functions- protection, excretion, gas exchange and secretion of coelomic fluid.
ii. Simple Cuboidal Epithelium-
It is composed of a single layer of cube-like cells.
The epithelium overlies on the basement membrane.
Nucleus is rounded and placed centrally.
The free surfaces of the cells may be smooth or bear microvilli. (The microvilli
increases the surface area of free ends of cells by many times).
Location commonly found in the ducts of glands, tubular parts of nephrons,
ovaries, seminiferous tubules of testes, etc.
Function - is protection, secretion, absorption, excretion and gamete formation.
iii. Simple Columnar Epithelium
composed of a single layer of tall and slender cells.
A single oval or elongated nucleus is situated near the base of the cell.
Some of its cells produce mucus, called goblet cells.
Location- occurs in the lining of stomach, small and large intestine, digestive
glands of stomach, intestine and pancreas, gall bladder, etc.
Functions - helps in secretion, absorption and protection to the components of
most glandular epithelia.
iv. Simple Ciliated Epithelium
If the columnar or cuboidal cells bear cilia on their free surface they are called
ciliated epithelium.
Helps in moving particles or mucus in a specific direction over the epithelium.
The epithelium lies over a basement membrane. The number of cilia varies in
different cellular forms.
Ciliated epithelium is of two types, i.e., ciliated columnar and ciliated cuboidal.
(a) Simple Ciliated Columnar Epithelium- It possess columnar cells that possess
cilia over their free surface.
Location- occurs in respiratory tract, fallopian tubes, parts of uterus and cervix,
the different tubules of testes, nephron etc.
(b) Simple Ciliated Cuboidal Epithelium It has cuboidal or cubical cells that bear
cilia on their free surface.
Location- occurs in respiratory tract and parts of uriniferous tubules (nephron)
Functions- simple ciliated epithelial
The epithelium maintains a flow of mucus, liquid or suspended particles
constantly in one direction.
In the oviducts, cilia helps in the movement of egg towards the uterus.
In respiratory tract, cilia helps to push the mucus towards the pharynx.
In nephrons (kidney), cilia keep the urine moving.
In nervous system, cilia of the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the
spinal cord helps in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
