Animal histology

(Part II: Connective, muscle and nervous tissues)

Dr. Nethia Mohana Kumaran, MRSB

Email: nethiakumaran@usm.my
Ext: 4016
Learning outcomes
o Know the different types of connective, muscle and nervous tissues and their respective
morphologies and functions.
o Know at least one example for each type of connective tissue and muscle tissue.
 Supports and protects Covers the body surface
organs and lines body cavities

Generates force to allow Uses electrical signals for

movement communication
o Connective tissues are loosely packed tissues
embedded in an intercellular matrix which may be
jelly like, fluid, dense or rigid.

o The nature of matrix differs in concordance with the

function of the particular connective tissue.

o It connects or binds the organs and acts as filling or

packing between organs.

o Characteristics of connective tissues:

o Number of cells is less as compare to epithelial tissue

o Connect or binds the organs
o Act as filling material between the organs
o Intracellular substance is high
o Responsible for cell division of pre-existing cells
Compact bone (connective tissue)
o Tissue consists of elongated cells and responsible for
movement in our body is called muscular tissue.

o Elongated cells present in muscular tissue are called as

muscle fiber.

o Muscle also contains special proteins called contractile

proteins, which contract and relax to cause movement

o Types of muscle fibers:

o Skeletal/Striated muscle
o Smooth muscle
o Cardiac muscle
o Highly specialized tissue for transmitting stimulus
very rapidly from one place to another within the body
is called nervous tissue.

o Nerve impulse allows animals to move rapidly in

response to stimuli.

o The brain, spinal cord and nerves are all examples of

nervous tissue. The cells are called nerve cells or
neurons.

Two types of neural cells in nervous tissues:

o Neurons – for processing, transfer and storage of information

o Neuroglia: For support, regulation and protection of neurons