Fibrous connective tissues are also known as connective tissue proper and are usually located in muscles, tendons, bones, and ligaments. These types of connective tissue are characterized by prominent fibers — collagen, reticular, and elastic. Its general function and purpose is to support and absorb shock in the bones, tissues, and organs. In addition, it provides strength to the inner layer of the skin. In essence, its stretchy nature and high-strength capacities allow the absorption of shock, especially during movement.

[Article: What is fibroblast made up of?]

Fibroblasts are the most common cell type in the connective tissue. They produce fibers and other substances, essential in maintaining the nature and function of the extracellular matrix. Specifically, they secrete collagen proteins that help in supporting tissues and healing wounds. These fibroblasts have an oval nucleus, an abundant endoplasmic reticulum, and a well-developed Golgi apparatus.

[Article: What are the major tissues of the nervous system?]

The major tissues that make up the nervous system are the neurons and the neuroglia. According to several sources, neurons only make up 10% of the nervous system while the glial cells (or neuroglia) make up the rest of the 90%. The neurons are responsible for transmitting electrical signals, serving the purpose of communication. On the other hand, the glial cells serve the purpose of support by maintaining a safe and healthy environment around the neurons — the nerve cells.

[Article: What is the function of the nervous tissue cell?]

Nervous tissue cells primarily function by transmitting and conducting electrical signals in the body. These signals are called “nerve impulses” or “an action potential.” It is the role of the nervous tissue to enable rapid communication between the body parts for effective and efficient functioning. Without the nervous tissue, there will be no sensory reception, motor coordination, or even the basic ability to think. Certainly, the nervous tissue is important as it supports and regulates the activities of the body, organs, and other cells.

[Article: What are the major neurotransmitters in the CNS?]

The major neurotransmitters in the CNS are acetylcholine, catecholamines, serotonin, and GABA (aminobutyric acid). Acetylcholine primarily affects attention and memory, impacting learning through integration. Catecholamines are neurotransmitters that are crucial to maintaining homeostasis in the body. Serotonin is also a neurotransmitter that affects many brain regions and body systems, affecting mood, sleep, and circadian rhythms. Lastly, GABA, a derivative of glutamate (glutamic acid), serves as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter that inhibits the transmission of messages along neural pathways, making sure that the brain does not send random messages.

[Article: What is cardiac muscle and its function?]

The cardiac muscle, also known as the myocardium, makes up the middle layer of the heart. Its primary function is the involuntary contractions and relaxations in the heart, allowing blood to flow through the heart. The cardiac muscle is made up of cardiomyocytes which are branching cells with only one nucleus in the center. Cardiac muscles are branching, striated, and are only located inside the heart.

[Article: What is smooth muscle and its function?]

Smooth muscles are also known as non-striated muscles. They appear spindle-shaped and are uninucleated. They form the middle layer of blood vessel walls and are responsible for the peristaltic movement along the digestive tract, propelling food throughout the alimentary canal. Smooth muscles also appear in bronchi and bronchioles, controlling airflow. In the urinary bladder, the smooth muscles play a role in the expansion and contraction.

[Article: What does the integumentary system do?]

The integumentary system is a system in our body that forms a physical barrier between the internal and external environment. The skin, particularly, helps in achieving this function as it maintains the body’s internal structure — may it be from physical, chemical, biological, radiologic, or thermal damage. Apart from this, the integumentary system also performs several functions including temperature regulation, vitamin D synthesis, and stimuli detection.

[Article: Why is the skin important to the human body?]

The skin, being the biggest organ of our body, is of great importance to the human body as it acts as the first line of defense against pathogens, harmful chemicals, and physical hazards from the external environment. It provides UV protection and has other properties such as antioxidative and antibacterial properties that protect the internal body environment. Without the skin, we will also not be able to sense pain and our organs, bones, and muscles will protrude in all directions.

[Article: What are the four major histological layers of the digestive system?]

The four major histological layers of the digestive system include the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The mucosa is also known as the layer of mucous membrane and it is found in the innermost layer of the digestive system. It serves the function of lining the lumen of the digestive tract. The submucosa is primarily made up of connective tissue and it basically nourishes the mucose as it is vascular. On the other hand, the muscular layer is made up of smooth muscle, facilitating peristaltic movement to propel food through the digestive tract. Lastly, the serosa is made up of simple squamous epithelium and connective tissue, protecting the organs of the digestive tract from surrounding organs.

[Article: What is the structure of the respiratory system?]

The respiratory system is made up of several organs, working together as a network to achieve its function of gas exchange. The conducting component encompasses the nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. These organs are responsible for conducting air inside the respiratory tract. On the other hand, the respiratory component encompasses the ducts and alveoli, primarily responsible for gas exchange.

[Article: What is the structure and function of the organs of the urinary system?]

The urinary system is made up of several organs. Primarily, it is made up of kidneys, which are two bean-shaped organs that filter our blood and form urine. The kidneys are primarily made up of simple cuboidal epithelium, responsible for absorption and secretion. Other organs of the urinary system include the ureter and urethra, which are tubes made up of transitional epithelium and smooth muscle and serve the function of transporting urine. Lastly, the urinary bladder is made up of the same structures as the ureter and urethra but serves the function of storing urine.