Introduction to Animal Primary Tissues

Discuss the tissue structures found in animals

The tissues of multicellular, complex animals are four primary types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous. Recall that tissues are groups of similar cells carrying out related functions. These tissues combine to form organs—like the skin or kidney—that have specific, specialized functions within the body. Organs are organized into organ systems to perform functions; examples include the circulatory system, which consists of the heart and blood vessels, and the digestive system, consisting of several organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. Organ systems come together to create an entire organism.

What You’ll Learn to Do

  • Discuss the complex tissue structure found in animals
  • Describe epithelial tissues
  • Discuss the different types of connective tissues in animals
  • Describe three types of muscle tissues
  • Describe nervous tissue

Learning Activities

The learning activities for this section include the following:

  • Complex Tissue Structure
  • Epithelial Tissues
  • Connective Tissues
  • Muscle and Nervous Tissues
  • Self Check: Animal Primary Tissues

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