Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What are the four basic types of human body tissue?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
human body
Vintage anatomy charts of the human body showing the skeletal and muscle systems.
In human biology, animal tissues are most effectively classified into four primary types based on the specific functions they perform within the body:
- Epithelial tissue: Composed of cells that form continuous sheets, this tissue covers the body's outer surface and lines internal organs, cavities, and canals. It serves protective, absorptive, and secretory functions.12
- Connective tissue: This group maintains the body's form and provides internal support and cohesion. It includes diverse structures such as bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and adipose tissue.13
- Muscle tissue: Primarily responsible for movement, this tissue consists of contractile cells. It is divided into striated muscle, which is generally under voluntary control, and smooth muscle, which typically lines internal organs.14
- Nervous tissue: This tissue is specialized for coordination and communication. It operates via electrical impulses transmitted by neurons to process information and regulate the body's responses.15