The Four Main Types of Cells within tissues

Even though there are several hundred cell types in the body, all of them can be grouped into just four main categories, or tissues. This makes
them easier to understand.

These four main tissues are formed from:

1. Epithelial Cells. These cells are tightly attached to one another. They cover over the interior of hollow organs, like blood vessels or
digestive organs, or else form the surface of things, like the skin. There are dozens of types of epithelial cells. Without epithelial cells,
you would have no skin to protect your body from injury and would have no stomach to digest your food!
2. Nerve Cells. These cells are specialized for communication. They send signals from the brain to muscles and glands that control their
functions. They also receive sensory information from the skin, the eyes, and the ears, and send this information to the brain. There are
dozens of varieties of nerve cells in the body, each with their own shapes and functions. You would have no consciousness or control
over your body without nerve cells.
3. Muscle Cells. These cells are specialized for contraction. Without muscle cells, you would not be able to move! There are three kinds of
muscle cells. They pull and tug on bones and tendons to produce motion. They also form the thick outer walls of hollow organs, like
blood vessels and digestive organs, and can contract to regulate the diameter of these hollow organs.
4. Connective Tissue Cells. These cells provide structural strength to the body and also defend against foreign invaders like bacteria. Two
types of cells—fibroblasts and fat cells—are native to connective tissue. Other cells migrate into connective tissue from the bloodstream
to fight diseases. Special types of connective tissue—cartilage and bone—are designed to be stronger and more rigid than most
connective tissues.
by Regina Bailey

Updated May 04, 2019

Cells in the human body number in the trillions and come in all shapes and sizes. These tiny structures are the basic unit of living organisms.
Cells comprise tissues, tissues comprise organs, organs form organ systems, and organ systems work together in an organism. There are
hundreds of different types of cells in the body and the structure of a cell is perfectly suited for the role it performs. Cells of the digestive system,
for instance, are different in structure and function from cells of the skeletal system. No matter the differences, cells of the body depend on each
another, either directly or indirectly, to keep the body functioning as one unit. The following are examples of different types of cells in the body.
Stem Cells
Pluripotent stem cell.

Credit: Science Photo Library - STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Stem cells are unique cells of the body in that they are unspecialized and have the ability to develop into specialized cells for specific organs or
to develop into tissues. Stem cells are able to divide and replicate many times in order to replenish and repair tissue. In the field of stem cell
research, scientists are attempting to take advantage of the renewal properties of stem cells by utilizing them to generate cells for tissue repair,
organ transplantation, and for the treatment of disease.
Bone Cells
Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a freeze-fractured osteocyte (purple) surrounded by bone (gray).

Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Bones are a type of mineralized connective tissue and a major component of the skeletal system. Bone cells form bone, which is composed of a
matrix of collagen and calcium phosphate minerals. There are three primary types of bone cells in the body. Osteoclasts are large cells that
decompose bone for resorption and assimilation. Osteoblasts regulate bone mineralization and produce osteoid (organic substance of bone
matrix), which mineralizes to form bone. Osteoblasts mature to form osteocytes. Osteocytes aid in the formation of bone and help maintain
calcium balance.
Blood Cells
Red and white blood cells in the bloodstream.

Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO/Getty Images

From transporting oxygen throughout the body to fighting infection, cells of the blood are vital to life. The three major types of cells in the blood
are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells determine blood type and are also responsible for transporting oxygen to
cells. White blood cells are immune system cells that destroy pathogens and provide immunity. Platelets help to clot blood and prevent excessive
blood loss due to broken or damaged blood vessels. Blood cells are produced by bone marrow.
Muscle Cells
Immunoflourescence of a smooth muscle cell.

Beano5/Vetta/Getty Images

Muscle cells form muscle tissue, which is important for bodily movement. Skeletal muscle tissue attaches to bones enabling voluntary
movement. Skeletal muscle cells are covered by connective tissue, which protects and supports the muscle fiber bundles. Cardiac muscle cells
form involuntary cardiac muscle found in the heart. These cells aid in heart contraction and are joined to one another by intercalated discs, which
allow for synchronization of the heartbeat. Smooth muscle tissue is not striated like cardiac and skeletal muscle. Smooth muscle is involuntary
muscle that lines body cavities and forms the walls of many organs (kidneys, intestines, blood vessels, lung airways, and so on).
Fat Cells
Adipocytes (fat cells) store energy as an insulating layer of fat and the majority of the cell's volume is taken up by a large lipid (fat or oil) droplet.

Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Fat cells, also called adipocytes, are the major cell component of adipose tissue. Adipocytes contain droplets of stored fat (triglycerides) that can
be used for energy. When fat is being stored, fat cells swell and become round in shape. When fat is being used, these cells shrink in size.
Adipose cells also have an endocrine function as they produce hormones that influence sex hormone metabolism, blood pressure regulation,
insulin sensitivity, fat storage and use, blood clotting, and cell signaling.
Skin Cells
This image shows squamous cells from the surface of the skin. These are flat, keratinized, dead cells that are continuously sloughed off and replaced with
new cells from below.

Science Photo Library/Getty Images

The skin is composed of a layer of epithelial tissue (epidermis) that is supported by a layer of connective tissue (dermis) and an underlying
subcutaneous layer. The outermost layer of the skin is composed of flat, squamous epithelial cells that are closely packed together. The skin
protects the internal structures of the body from damage, prevents dehydration, acts as a barrier against germs, stores fat, and produces vitamins
and hormones.
Nerve Cells
Science Picture Co/Collection Mix: Subjects/Getty Images

Nerve cells or neurons are the basic units of the nervous system. Nerves send signals among the brain, spinal cord, and other body organs via
nerve impulses. A neuron consists of two major parts: a cell body and nerve processes. The central cell body contains the neuron's nucleus,
associated cytoplasm, and organelles. Nerve processes are "finger-like" projections (axons and dendrites) that extend from the cell body and are
able to conduct and transmit signals.
Endothelial Cells
Dr. Torsten Wittman/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Endothelial cells form the inner lining of the cardiovascular system and lymphatic system structures. These cells make up the inner layer of
blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and organs including the brain, lungs, skin, and heart. Endothelial cells are responsible for angiogenesis or the
creation of new blood vessels. They also regulate the movement of macromolecules, gases, and fluid between the blood and surrounding tissues,
and help to regulate blood pressure.
Sex Cells
This image depicts sperm entering an ovum.

Science Picture Co/Collection Mix/Getty Images

Sex cells or gametes are reproductive cells produced in male and female gonads. Male sex cells or sperm are motile and have a long, tail-like
projection called a flagellum. Female sex cells or ova are non-motile and relatively large in comparison to the male gamete. In sexual
reproduction, sex cells unite during fertilization to form a new individual. While other body cells replicate by mitosis, gametes reproduce by
meiosis.
Pancreatic Cells
Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

The pancreas functions as both an exocrine and endocrine organ. Exocrine acinar cells produce and secrete digestive enzymes that are
transported by ducts to the small intestine. A very small percentage of pancreatic cells have an endocrine function and secrete hormones.
Pancreatic endocrine cells are found in small clusters called islets of Langerhans. Hormones produced by these cells include insulin, glucagon,
and gastrin. Pancreatic cells are important for regulating blood glucose concentration levels as well as for the digestion of proteins,
carbohydrates, and fats.
Cancer Cells
These cervical cancer cells are dividing.

Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Cancer results from the development of abnormal properties in normal cells that enable them to divide uncontrollably and spread to other
locations. Cancer cell development can be caused by mutations that occur from factors such as chemicals, radiation, ultraviolet light,
chromosome replication errors, or viral infection. Cancer cells lose sensitivity to anti-growth signals, proliferate rapidly, and lose the ability to
undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death.

The term tissue is used to describe a group of cells found together in the body. The cells within a tissue share a common embryonic origin.
Microscopic observation reveals that the cells in a tissue share morphological features and are arranged in an orderly pattern that achieves the
tissue’s functions. From the evolutionary perspective, tissues appear in more complex organisms. For example, multicellular protists, ancient
eukaryotes, do not have cells organized into tissues.

Although there are many types of cells in the human body, they are organized into four broad categories of tissues: epithelial, connective,
muscle, and nervous. Each of these categories is characterized by specific functions that contribute to the overall health and maintenance of the
body. A disruption of the structure is a sign of injury or disease. Such changes can be detected through histology, the microscopic study of tissue
appearance, organization, and function.

The Four Types of Tissues

Epithelial tissue, also referred to as epithelium, refers to the sheets of cells that cover exterior surfaces of the body, lines internal cavities and
passageways, and forms certain glands. Connective tissue, as its name implies, binds the cells and organs of the body together and functions in
the protection, support, and integration of all parts of the body. Muscle tissue is excitable, responding to stimulation and contracting to provide
movement, and occurs as three major types: skeletal (voluntary) muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle in the heart. Nervous tissue is also
excitable, allowing the propagation of electrochemical signals in the form of nerve impulses that communicate between different regions of the
body ([link]).
The next level of organization is the organ, where several types of tissues come together to form a working unit. Just as knowing the structure
and function of cells helps you in your study of tissues, knowledge of tissues will help you understand how organs function. The epithelial and
connective tissues are discussed in detail in this chapter. Muscle and nervous tissues will be discussed only briefly in this chapter.

Four Types of Tissue: Body

The four types of tissues are exemplified in nervous tissue, stratified squamous epithelial tissue, cardiac muscle tissue, and connective tissue in small
intestine. Clockwise from nervous tissue, LM × 872, LM × 282, LM × 460, LM × 800. (Micrographs provided by the Regents of University of Michigan Medical
School © 2012)