Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Chapter Guide
Chapter 4 - Tissue: The Living Fabric

This is a tedious chapter but the terminology is essential for the rest of the course. Hang in there.

After completing this chapter, you should be able to name the four major tissue types and their chief subcategories. You should be able to explain how the four types differ structurally and functionally and then do the same for the subcategories. Finally, you should be able to list main locations of various tissue types in the body. That is the big picture, now get down to specifics:

1. Tell how tissues are different from "cells."  Tell the term used to describe the study of tissues.

2. Epithelial tissues: Tell their structural and functional characteristics. Name and describe the various types of epithelial tissue, their main functions and their chief locations.  Tell which would most likely have microvilli and the function of microvilli. Create a diagram or outline of the various types of epithelial tissues.

• Define glands and compare exocrine and endocrine glands as to function and structure.
• List some functions of multicellular glands.
• Define goblet cells and tell their function.  (Don't worry about defining apocrine, merocrine, holocrine glands.)
• Differentiate between mucous and mucus and mucin.
• Describe the basement membrane.  Tell where it is found and its function. What are the apical and basal surfaces?
• Describe keratinized and nonkeratinized epithelium and tell where each is found.

3. Connective tissue: Describe the common characteristics of connective tissue. (What makes connective tissue connective tissue? What is matrix and how does it differ in different types of connective tissue? What types of cells are found in what connective tissues?  What types of fibers?)

• List and describe the subcategories of connective tissue, tell how they differ structurally and functionally and where they are found.
• Figure 4.6 lists the classes, subclasses and types of connective tissue. You will be tested repeatedly on this Figure. Learn it.

4. Describe the basic structure of covering and lining membranes and describe three types as to location and function.

5. Nervous tissue: Tell the function of nervous tissue. Describe two types of cells found here.  Differentiate between axons and dendrites.

6. Muscle: Compare and contrast the structures and body locations of the three types of muscle tissues.  Tell which are voluntary, involuntary.  Tell where you would find intercalated discs and their function.

7. Describe the process by which tissues are repaired by the body. What tissues are unable to regenerate themselves? What is a scar? Adhesions? You will be tested on Figure 4.13. (Remember, studying an illustration involves reading the explanation as well as memorizing the pictures.)

8. Suggestion:  Create some type of outline or concept map that presents on a single page the four chief tissue types and their subcategories. Your work should be a tool that helps you remember what's what in this whole mess.

9. Review the chapter for examples of homeostatic imbalance.

10. Do the multiple choice test at the end of the chapter.

11. Review the "Short Answer Essay Questions” at the end of the chapter.

12. Don’t forget the Anatomy/Physiology Place website.

Lab: There will be specific microscope slides of tissues for you to study. We will have a lab test on these slides during another lab.  See your schedule for the date.

I will rely on lectures and any or all of the above material when testing on this chapter.

OPTIONAL *** I have put some videos on reserve at the library for library use only.  Most run about half an hour and could help you understand the material in these chapters.  For more information, click here.

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