When discussing tissues, there are four broad categories: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nerve. For this post, we are going to use a microscope to view these types of tissue on a much greater scale, describing each as we work. All of the photos were taken during the lab.
The first sample we observed was that of hyaline cartilage, which is classified as a connective tissue. When functioning, hyaline cartilage supports, reinforces, cushions, and resists compressive stress.
Hyaline cartilage is composed of a network of collagen fibers that have formed an imperceptible network and chondroblasts that produce the matrix.
The next sample we worked with was bone, also a type of connective tissue. Bone is comprised of hard, calcified matrix that contains many collagen fibers. Bone works to support and protect while providing leverage for the muscles. In addition, bone stores calcium, minerals, and fat, and bone marrow is home to cell formation.
Next, we looked at smooth muscle tissue. Spindle-shapes cells make up this tissue, arranging themselves closely to form sheets that propel substances or objects along passageways without voluntary control.
We also looked at cardiac muscle. When in action, contracting tissue propels blood into circulation, also without voluntary control. This tissue is composed of branching, striated, and generally uninucleate cells that interdigital with at specialized junctions.
This next sample is taken from an involuntary muscle, meaning that it originates either in the cardiac system, or as a smooth muscle tissue in the walls of hollow organs. When compared to cardiac tissue, it does not share as many characteristics as it does when compared to smooth muscle tissue. It appears to have closely arranged cells with central nuclei, as do the cells found in smooth muscle tissue.
The next two samples are those of nerve endings and neuron motors. These are composed of branching cells, with the cell processes extended from the nucleus-containing cell body. These transmit electrical signals, controlling activity in the body.
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