Epithelial Tissue Connective

What is Epithelial tissue?

Epithelial tissue, also known as epithelium (epi- upon; thele- nipple), is a kind of animal tissue that covers both the exterior and interior surfaces of the animal body. It is made up of a sheet of tightly packed cells with very little intercellular material that rests on a non-cellular basement membrane.

Epithelial tissue is made up of cells that are laid together in sheets and are intimately attached. The epithelial layers are not vascular, although they are innervated. Epithelial cells have two surfaces that are structurally and functionally distinct. Exocrine and endocrine glands are made up of epithelial tissue and are categorised according to how their secretions are discharged.

The function of Epithelial tissue

• It aids in the protection of the underlying tissues from mechanical damage, the introduction of bacteria, hazardous substances, and dryness.
• The nephron epithelium is specialised for urine production.
• It helps in preventing the absorption of dangerous or unneeded elements.
• It aids in the reception of numerous stimuli and their transmission to the brain via the sensory epithelia of sense organs.
• The alveolar epithelium is responsible for the exchange of gases between the blood and the surrounding environment.
• The presence of pigmented epithelium of the retina causes the cavity of the eyeball to darken.
• It also gives rise to the glands that release mucus, gastric juice, and intestinal juice.

Types of Epithelial Tissue

1. Simple Epithelial 

Simple epithelial cells are composed of a single layer of compactly organised cells that lie on top of a non-cellular basement membrane. It is seen on moist surfaces where friction causes minor wear and tear. It is commonly related to material absorption, secretion, diffusion, and mobility.

2. Compound Epithelial

Compound epithelial is made up of many layers of cells. They are found on surfaces where frequent cell replacement is necessary owing to frictional wear and rapid wear. It is classified into two types:

1. Compound Epithelium Stratified
2. Transitional Compound Epithelial Epithelium

3. Specialised Epithelial

Because this epithelial tissue is specialised to accomplish certain functions, it is similarly specialised in structure. These are their types:

1. a) Glandular Epithelium
2. b) Germinal Epithelium

What is Connective Tissue?

Connective tissue is a form of tissue that shows the connection between various organs and body components. Blood, bones, muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues are examples. The primary purpose of connective tissue is to bind, support, and join the various sections of the body. The connective tissue is made up of two basic components: cells and a homogenous fluid known as the matrix. The cells are embedded in a matrix. The mesoderm layer gives birth to connective tissue (the middle layer of an embryo).

Connective tissues are made up of cells that exist in an intercellular framework of protein fibres that are released by the cells and are known as collagen or elastin. Cells also produce a thick gel of polysaccharides, which, when combined with fibres, forms a matrix or ground material. The cells are embedded in a matrix.

Connective Tissue Functions

The connective tissue serves the following purposes:

1. It mostly joins one tissue in the organs to another.
2. Adipose tissue is where fat is stored.
3. The cartilage and bones provide a foundation for the body.
4. Blood and lymph transport substances from one portion of the body to another.
5. Connective tissue cells safeguard and cleanse the body.
6. Adipose tissue works as a stress absorber surrounding some organs, such as the eyes and kidneys.

Types of Connective Tissues

1. Loose connective tissues

are found throughout the body, particularly in places that require both support and suppleness. A loose connective tissue wraps around blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. They, together with adipose tissues, form the subcutaneous layer beneath the skin and serve an important function in connecting muscles and other organs to the skin.

2.Dense Connective Tissue:

Fibroblast cells and fibres are densely packed, in these tissues. Their primary purpose is to sustain and convey mechanical forces. Because of the compact form of fibres and cells, they are less flexible than loose connective tissue.

They are further classified into two categories based on the arrangement of collagen fibres:

• Dense regular tissue:
• Dense irregular tissue:

Difference between Epithelial and Connective Tissue

Conclusion

Epithelial tissue, also known as the epithelium, is a kind of animal tissue that covers both the exterior and interior surfaces of the animal body. Epithelial tissue is made up of cells that are laid together in sheets and are intimately attached. Epithelial tissue aids in the protection of the underlying tissues from mechanical damage, the introduction of bacteria, hazardous substances, and dryness. Connective tissue is a form of tissue that shows the connection between various organs and body components. The primary purpose of connective tissue is to bind, support, and join the various sections of the body. The connective tissue is made up of two basic components: cells and a homogenous fluid known as the matrix. Connective tissue cells safeguard and cleanse the body.