The four major animal tissues are epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissue forms the covering layers of organs and structures. It consists of one or more layers of cells and performs protective, secretory, selective absorption and other functions. Connective tissue binds and supports other tissues. The main types are loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, cartilage, bone and blood. Muscular tissue includes three types - smooth, striated and cardiac muscle that facilitate movement and actions. Nervous tissue is composed of neurons and glial cells that conduct electrical signals around the body.