Animal Tissues Table

Visual guide to Human Anatomy Basics. Explore the 4 Pillars: Epithelial, Connective, Muscular, and Nervous systems.

Epithelial Tissue3 types

Squamous Epithelium

Found In

Skin, lining of mouth

Function

Protection against abrasion, diffusion

Cuboidal Epithelium

Found In

Kidney tubules, glands

Function

Secretion and absorption

Columnar Epithelium

Found In

Intestine lining

Function

Absorption of nutrients, secretion

Connective Tissue4 types

Areolar Tissue

Found In

Under skin (between skin & muscles)

Function

Fills space, repairs tissues

Adipose Tissue

Found In

Below skin, around organs

Function

Storage of fat, insulation

Bone

Found In

Skeleton

Function

Structural framework, protection, anchor for muscles

Blood

Found In

Blood vessels

Function

Transport of gases, nutrients, waste, hormones

Muscular Tissue3 types

Striated/Skeletal Muscle

Found In

Attached to bones

Function

Voluntary movement, locomotion

Smooth Muscle

Found In

Stomach, Iris, Uterus

Function

Involuntary movements (peristalsis)

Cardiac Muscle

Found In

Heart wall

Function

Rhythmic contraction and relaxation of heart

Nervous Tissue1 types

Nervous Tissue

Found In

Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves

Function

Transmission of nerve impulses

The 4 Tissue Pillars

Multicellular animals rely on four distinct types of tissues to survive. Each has a specific role, from covering the body to moving limbs.

Epithelial

Protection

Connective

Support & Bind

Muscular

Movement

Nervous

Control

Deep Dive: Connective Tissue

Skeletal (Solid)

Hard framework that supports the body.

  • Bone: Hard, non-flexible, rich in Calcium.
  • Cartilage: Flexible, found in ear/nose.

Fluid (Liquid)

Liquid matrix connecting body systems.

  • Blood: RBCs, WBCs, Platelets in Plasma.
  • Lymph: Colorless fluid for immunity.

Muscle Tissue Types

FeatureStriated (Skeletal)SmoothCardiac
ControlVoluntaryInvoluntaryInvoluntary
LocationLimbs (Arms, Legs)Stomach, IntestinesHeart Only
ShapeCylindrical, UnbranchedSpindle-shapedCylindrical, Branched

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 main types of animal tissues?

The four primary types are: Epithelial (Protection/Covering), Connective (Support/Binding), Muscular (Movement), and Nervous (Control/Communication).

What is the function of Epithelial Tissue?

Epithelial tissue forms the outer covering (skin) and lines internal organs and cavities. Its main functions are protection, absorption, filtration, and secretion.

Why is Blood considered a Connective Tissue?

Blood is a fluid connective tissue because it connects different body systems by transporting nutrients, gases, and waste. It consists of a fluid matrix (plasma) containing cells (RBCs, WBCs).

What is the difference between Ligament and Tendon?

Ligaments connect Bone to Bone (elastic, flexible). Tendons connect Muscle to Bone (fibrous, strong, less flexible).

Where do we find Ciliated Epithelium?

Ciliated epithelium is found in the respiratory tract (trachea) and fallopian tubes. The cilia (hair-like structures) help move particles or mucus in a specific direction.

Which muscle type is voluntary?

Striated (Skeletal) Muscles are voluntary, meaning we control them consciously (e.g., biceps, leg muscles). Smooth and Cardiac muscles are involuntary.

What are the parts of a Neuron?

A Neuron (Nerve cell) consists of a Cell Body (Cyton), Dendrites (receive signals), and a long Axon (transmits signals), often ending in Nerve Endings.

What is the function of Adipose Tissue?

Adipose tissue stores fat. It acts as an insulator (keeping the body warm) and a protective cushion around delicate organs like kidneys and eyes.

What is the hardest connective tissue?

Bone is the hardest connective tissue. Its matrix is rich in Calcium and Phosphorus compounds, providing a rigid framework for the body.

Where is Cardiac Muscle found?

Cardiac Muscle is found exclusively in the Heart. It contracts rhythmically and involuntarily throughout life to pump blood.