Connective and supportive tissues are divided into four major types: epithelial, muscle, nervous, and connective and supportive tissues.
Epithelial Tissues
Epithelial tissues are thin layers of cells that line the cavities and surfaces of organs throughout the body. They act as a protective barrier, and also help to regulate the exchange of materials between the body and the environment.
Epithelial tissues are composed of closely packed cells that form sheets or tubes. They have no intercellular substance between them, and are held together by tight junctions.
Muscle Tissues
Muscle tissues are responsible for the movement of the body, and are made up of bundles of cells. They are divided into three types: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac.
Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movement, and is found in the limbs and trunk.
Smooth muscle is responsible for involuntary movement, and is found in the walls of the digestive tract, uterus, and blood vessels.
Cardiac muscle is found in the walls of the heart, and is responsible for the pumping of blood throughout the body.
Nervous Tissues
Nervous tissues are responsible for the transmission of electrical signals throughout the body. They are made up of neurons and supporting cells.
Neurons are specialized cells that transmit electrical signals from one part of the body to another.
Supporting cells are cells that provide physical and metabolic support to neurons.
Connective and Supportive Tissues
Connective and supportive tissues provide structural support and protection for the body. They are made up of cells, fibers, and a variety of non-living components.
Cells are the building blocks of the tissue, and are specialized for specific functions.
Fibers provide structural support and strength to the tissue. They are made up of collagen, elastin, or reticular fibers.
Non-living components provide support and protection, and include ground substance and glycoproteins.