Four tissues, four jobs

The idea

Groups of similar animal cells specialised for different functions form animal tissues, each structurally suited to its function; the main types are epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissues.

Which part does the job?

You pull your hand away from a hot pan. Your skin covers your hand, bones and tissues hold it together, muscles move it, and something carries the message.

How many kinds of main tissue do you think the body needs for all this?

• Four main kinds, each suited to its job
• Only one kind that does everything
• A different kind for every single organ

Match jobs to tissues

Choose each question to find the tissue that does the job.

Animal tissues

Groups of similar cells in animals form animal tissues. Each tissue is specially adapted (its structure suits its function). The main types are epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissues.

• Tissue | Main job
• Epithelial | covers the body, lines organs
• Connective | connects and supports
• Muscular | movement
• Nervous | control and coordination

Notes

The four main animal tissues are epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous. Each is structurally suited to its function.

Check yourself

How many main types of animal tissue are there?

Answer: 4 types

4 main types.

Which tissue helps us move?

Which tissue lets us sense heat or cold and carries the message?

• Epithelial tissue. It covers and lines.
• Muscular tissue — correct. Yes.
• Connective tissue. It connects and supports.
• Muscular tissue. It moves the body.
• Epithelial tissue. It covers and lines organs.
• Nervous tissue — correct. Yes.