Cells, Tissues,

Organs, and Organ

Systems
Living things are composed of cells, which are the basic building blocks
of life. These cells come together to form tissues, organs, and organ
systems, allowing organisms to perform complex functions.

by Dzah
Peter37
Cells

Definition & Characteristics Examples

Cells are the smallest structural and Neuron (nerve cell) - transmit electrical

functional units of life. They have a plasma signals, Red blood cell - transport oxygen,

membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic Epithelial cell - line and protect body

material. surfaces
 Tissues

Definition & Characteristics Examples Examples (continued)

Tissues are groups of similar cells Connective tissue - support and
Nervous tissue - transmit and
that work together to perform a connect body structures,
process electrical signals,
specific function. They have similar Muscle tissue - enable
Adipose tissue - store energy
structure and specialized functions. movement, Epithelial tissue -
and insulate the body
cover and protect body
surfaces
Organs
1 Definition &
Characteristics
Examples 2 Organs are structures composed of
Heart - pump blood different tissues that work together to
throughout the body. perform a specific function. They have a
specific shape and location in the body.
Lungs - facilitate gas 3 Examples (continued)

exchange. Liver - detoxify harm

Stomach- aid in
ful substances.
digestion. Kidneys - filter waste
Brain -controls body
products from the blood.
functions
Skin - protect the body from external threats
 Organ Systems
Definition & Characteristics Examples Examples (continued)

• Circulatory system: • Nervous system -

Organ systems are transport nutrients
coordinate body
groups of organs that and oxygen
• functions.
work together to throughout the body.
• Muscular system -
• Respiratory system:
perform a specific
facilitate gas enable movement.
function. They have
exchange.
specialized structures • Skeletal system -
• Digestive system -
and functions. provide support
break down and
absorb nutrients
and protection
 Conclusion
Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems form a
hierarchical structure in living organisms, with each
level contributing to the overall function and survival
of the organism. Understanding these structures is
crucial for studying biology and appreciating the
complexity of life.