Tissue Structure and Function

Tissues are groups of cells with a common structure and function. Different types of tissues have different structures that are suited to their functions. For example, a tissue may be held together by a sticky extracellular matrix that coats the cells or weaves them together in a fabric of fibers. In deed, the term tissue derives from a Latin word meaning 'weave.'

Tissues are classified into four main categories - epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.