
Tissues
The four tissues of the body include epithelium, connective tissue, muscle and nerve. Muscle and nerve are illustrated in this image. Left 1000x, 1000x; Right 1000x, 20,000x

Muscle tissue >
Muscle tissue is composed of abundant cells and minimal extracellular matrix. Muscle cells are elongate in shape and are specialized to shorten, due to the presence of abundant contractile filaments containing actin and myosin. Muscle cells are usually clustered into bundles with a similar orientation of cells, so that they produce coordinated movement.

- Muscle cells
Muscle tissue is composed of abundant cells and minimal extracellular matrix. Muscle cells are elongate in shape and are specialized to shorten, due to the presence of abundant contractile filaments containing actin and myosin. Muscle cells are usually clustered into bundles with a similar orientation of cells, so that they produce coordinated movement.

- Nuclei
Muscle tissue is composed of abundant cells and minimal extracellular matrix. Muscle cells are elongate in shape and are specialized to shorten due to the presence of abundant contractile filaments containing actin and myosin. Muscle cells are usually clustered into bundles with a similar orientation of cells, so that they produce coordinated movement.

Nervous tissue >
Nervous tissue, with abundant cells and minimal extracellular matrix, is composed of nerve cells (neurons) and their supporting cells. This tissue is specialized to conduct electrical impulses, convey sensory stimuli from the environment, and produce appropriate responses. Additionally, nervous tissue provides integration and storage of information.

- Neuron cell body
Nervous tissue, with abundant cells and minimal extracellular matrix, is composed of nerve cells (neurons) and their supporting cells. This tissue is specialized to conduct electrical impulses, convey sensory stimuli from the environment, and produce appropriate responses. Additionally, nervous tissue provides integration and storage of information.

- Neuron processes
Nervous tissue, with abundant cells and minimal extracellular matrix, is composed of nerve cells (neurons) and their supporting cells. This tissue is specialized to conduct electrical impulses, convey sensory stimuli from the environment, and produce appropriate responses. Additionally, nervous tissue provides integration and storage of information.

- Synapses >
Neurons communicate with each other via synapses, which involve release of neurotransmitters to propagate the impulse.

- Support cells >
Supporting cells in nervous tissue provide a number of functions, including physical support, insulation, and maintenance of homeostasis.