Module 1: Tissues I – Epithelial and Connective
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this class, students will be able to:
- Define the characteristics and features of epithelial tissues.
- Describe the features and functions of each category of epithelial tissues.
- Analyze how the structure of the different types of epithelial tissue governs the function of that tissue and its potential location in the body.
- Explain how the characteristics of epithelial tissue can contribute to pathology.
- Analyze how the structure of the different types of connective tissue governs the function of that tissue and its potential location in the body.
- Describe the characteristics of connective tissue and compare different types of connective tissue in the body
Terms to Know
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Epithelial Tissue
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Connective Tissue
Other Terms
*Covered only in lecture, not in this text
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The Building BLocks
*This content will be reviewed and built upon in lecture.
Before you begin to study the different structures and functions of the human body, it is helpful to consider its basic architecture; that is, how its smallest parts are assembled into larger structures ((Figure)). Though this organization begins at the atomic and chemical levels, in this course we will only discuss structures as small as the cellular level, and only in the context of the cells that make up specific tissues. You will learn more about the cellular, molecular, and chemical levels of organization in other courses.
- A cell is the smallest independently functioning unit of a living organism.
- Tissues are composed of many cells that work together to perform a specific function.
- An organ is an anatomically distinct structure of the body composed of two or more tissue types. Each organ performs one or more specific physiological functions.
- An organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform major functions or meet physiological needs of the body.
There are four categories of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous. Epithelial tissue, also referred to as epithelium, refers to the sheets of cells that line all surfaces of the body. Connective tissue binds together, protects, and supports structures of the body. We will cover epithelial tissue and connective tissue in this module. Muscle tissue and nervous tissue will be covered in the next module. Muscle tissue contracts to cause movement, while nervous tissue sends electrical signals to allow communication throughout the body.
Epithelial Tissue
*Some of this content will be reviewed or built-upon in lecture, while some of the epithelial tissue content will be covered in the assignment and interactive activity as self-study material.
Epithelial tissues line all surfaces of the body. This includes the surfaces exposed to the outside world, the surface of organs, and the openings within hollow organs. Epithelium also forms much of the glandular tissue of the body.
Functions
Epithelial tissues have several functions. You will learn