Four Basic Tissue Types and Their Function

11. Identify the four basic types of tissues and the functions of each tissue type.

There are four different types of tissue. They are; nerve, epithelial, connective, and muscle. The nerve tissue is made up of neurons that receive and transmit electrical impulses, this is their function. There are several different types of epithelial tissue. First there is simple squamous epithelium tissue. This is a single layer of cells that is in the lining of blood vessels, the lining of the pulmonary alveoli, and the Bowman’s capsule in the kidneys. The function of this tissue is to separate blood from the fluid in tissues and to separate air from fluids in tissues and to filter substances from blood to form urine. The next type of epithelial tissue is stratified squamous epithelium. This is a tissue composed of two or more layers and the cells tend to be cuboidal. This type of tissue is found in the epidermis of the skin and the linings of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus and anus. The function of this tissue is to protect and secrete. Transitional epithelium is the next type of tissue and it varies in shape from cuboidal to squamous. It is located in the linings of the urinary bladder and other hollow structures. Its function is to allow stretching to expand the organ that it is in. The next type is simple cuboidal epithelium. It is cuboidal cells that are in glands and parts of the kidney tubule and outer covering of ovaries. The function of this tissue type is secretion. Simple columnar epithelium is next and it is in the lining of the digestive tract and in ducts of many glands. Its function is to secrete and absorb from the stomach to the anus. Ciliated simple columnar epithelium is in the linings of the bronchi of the lungs, nasal cavity and oviducts. Its function is to secrete, absorb and propel fluids and particles. Then there is stratified columnar epithelium and it is in the linings of the epiglottis, pharynx, anus and male urethra. Its function is protection.