Tissues are groups of cells that work together to perform specific functions. There are four main tissue types: epithelium, which forms coverings and linings; connective tissue, which protects and supports other tissues; muscle tissue, which contracts to cause movement and includes three types; and nervous tissue, made up of neurons that transmit electrical signals as the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

1. Tissue Basics
 Tissues are groups of cells that are similar in
structure that work together to perform a
specific function.
 There are four main tissue types:
 Epithelium
 Connective tissue
 Muscle
 Nervous tissue

2. Epithelium
 Epithelium, or epithelial tissue, forms the linings,
coverings, and glandular tissue of the body.
 One type of epithelium forms the outer layer of the
skin
 Another type of epithelium lines the air sacs of the
lungs
 Cells in epithelium are packed tightly together to form
continuous sheets

3. Connective Tissue
 Connective tissue protects, supports, and binds
together other body tissues.
 Connective tissue is made up of different types
of cells in varying amounts of a nonliving
substance around the cells, called the matrix.
 Examples of connective tissue include:
 Bone
 Cartilage
 Adipose tissue (fat)
 Blood

4. Muscle Tissue
 Muscle tissue is specialized to contract and
cause movement.
 There are three main types of muscle tissue:
 Skeletal muscle
 Cardiac muscle
 Smooth muscle
 Can you guess the location and function of each
muscle type?

5. Nervous Tissue
 Nervous tissue is composed of specialized cells
called neurons that receive and send electrical
signals in the body.
 Nervous tissue responds to stimuli and transmits
impulses and together with supporting cells,
makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.