Animal Tissue (Leaving Cert Biology): Revision Notes

Animal Tissue

There are four main types of animal tissue:

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

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1. Epithelial Tissue

• Function: To protect other tissues.
• Epithelial tissue is made up of one (or more) layers of cells that cover the outer and inner surfaces of the body.
• Examples:
  • Human skin
  • The inner lining of the respiratory system
  • The inner lining of blood vessels

2. Connective Tissue

• Function: To bind other tissues together.
• It supports and cushions other tissues.
• Examples:
  • Bone
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments

3. Muscular Tissue

There are three types of muscular tissue:

5. Skeletal
6. Smooth
7. Cardiac

• Cardiac muscle: Found in the heart. It does NOT tyre, making it different from other muscles.
• Skeletal muscle: Voluntary muscle that allows bones to move. Voluntary muscle can be controlled.
• Smooth muscle: Involuntary muscle found in arteries, veins and the digestive system.

4. Nervous Tissue

• Nervous tissue transmits electrical impulses.
• Neurons are nerve cells. They are bundled together and wrapped in connective tissue to form nerves.