Histology: also referred to as microscopic anatomy; the study of tissues and how they are
arranged
- understanding microscopic anatomy is crucial to the understanding of physiology of how
body works
Study of gross anatomy: Looking at things from a gross standpoint; structures we can see with
the naked eye and can touch with our hands.
Tissues are made up of similar cells that group together to form a tissue that will perform a
specific function.
□cells are the smallest unit of life that carry out a particular function
- all have specific functions. Eg. Muscle cells are specialized to perform muscle
contracting; others produce protein synthesis
● When cells work together to perform these specific tasks, they group together in the form
of tissue.
o The tissues than group together to form an organ
▪ Organ: structure with specific boundaries that would perform a job
depending on the type of cells and the arrangement of the tissues found in
the organ
● Tissues are made up of cells and matrix
● The differences in the classes of tissues depend on
o Different types of cells we find
o The characteristics of the matrix we see in the tissue
o The ratio between the cellular content and the matrix (large amount of cells vs
matrix and vice versa)
, BIOD 151: A & P TEST Q & A
4 Primary classes of tissues found in body:
● Epithelial Tissue: function in secretion and absorption. Will also function in roles such
as protection and secretion of waste
● Connective Tissue: help bind tissues together. Anchor certain organs to body cavity.
Performs supportive role
● Nervous Tissue: very specialized. Serve the role of communication in the body
o Nerve signals are our electric wiring of the body. Nerve tissues are going to help
the body to communicate.
● Muscular Tissue: Specialized for muscle contraction and general movement
Matrix: extracellular material
● Matrix is made up of 2 things: ground substance (interstitial fluid/extracellular fluid) and
protein fibers
o Ground substance is made up of water, some nutrients, minerals, and gases, in
different composition depending on what type of tissues we found them in