Levels of Organization of life

Cells - Tissues - Organs - Organ Systems - Organism

Cell - basic unit of life.

Tissue - an aggregation of cells and cell products of similar structure and
embryonic origin that perform a common function.
Histology - study of tissues, especially their structure and arrangement.
Organ - an aggregation of tissues organized into a functional unit.
Organ System - organs working together as functional units.

4 Basic Types of Tissue

1. Epithelial
2. Connective
3. Muscle
4. Nervous

Epithelial Tissue
Sheet-like layer of cells
Covers surfaces and lining of cavities
Often has glandular cells for fluid secretion
Endothelium -epithelium that lines heart, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels
Simple Epithelium - single layered
Simple squamous � inside blood vessels
Simple cuboidal � lines ducts (tube or vessels) Ex. Kidney tubules, mucous glands
Simple columnar � lining of small intestine
Pseudostratified Columnar � trachea, bronchi
- False stratified, single layer of cells that give the appearance of being made
from multiple layers. Pseudo = False

Stratified Epithelium - 2 or more layers of cells.

Stratified squamous - skin
Transitional � urinary tract and bladder
- can stretch readily in order to accommodate fluctuation of volume of the liquid
in an organ.

Connective tissue - group of tissues that maintain the form of the body and its
organs and provide cohesion and internal support.
Functions
1. Enclosing and separating organs
2. Connecting tissues to one another (ligaments and tendons)
3. Supporting and moving (joints and cartilage)
4. Storing (adipose tissue and bones)
5. Cushioning and insulating (adipose tissues)
6. Transport and protection (blood)
7. Protection (cranium and sternum)

Tissue that connects

Loose connective tissue
adipose (fat) - store energy
Dense connective tissue
Cartilage - a firm tissue but is softer and much more flexible than bone.
Bone - hardest connective tissue. Function in storing minerals, providing internal
support, protecting vital organs,
enabling movement, and providing attachment sites for muscles and tendons.
Vascular tissue
Erythrocytes: Red Blood Cells � carry oxygen
Leucocytes: White Blood Cells � part of the immune system
Platelets - clotting
Muscle Tissue - responsible for movement of body parts
Skeletal muscle cells - striated, voluntary control
- multi nuclei
- attached to bones by tendons
Cardiac muscle cells - striated, involuntary control
- one nucleus
- Exists only in your heart
Smooth muscle cells - nonstriated, involuntary control
- one nucleus
- Found in the walls of hollow organs like stomach and blood vessels

Nervous Tissue