Human Tissue Types

Connective Tissue

• Areolar tissue is the most common type of connective tissue, found in most organs and tissues, and provides elasticity, water, and salts, binding organs together.
• Identified under a microscope as loose, hair-like structures arranged randomly.

Adipose Tissue

• Fills spaces between organs and tissues, providing metabolic and structural support, storing energy in the form of fats, and serving as a thermal insulator.
• Divided into White and Brown adipose tissue, with White adipose tissue mainly for energy storage, and Brown adipose tissue for energy dissipation in the form of heat.
• Serves as a protective layer for internal organs against trauma due to its conformation.

Cartilage

Hyaline Cartilage

• The most abundant type of cartilage, characterized by a sparse glassy matrix.
• Serves as a template for bone development during embryonic development.
• Found in bronchi, trachea, and nasal septum, and has slight elasticity.

Elastic Cartilage

• Enriched with elastin fibers, providing elasticity and associated with vibrational function.
• Found in the external ear and larynx, responsible for collecting and producing sound waves respectively.
• Distinguished from hyaline cartilage by more packed cells forming clusters, and unique staining pattern with black and purple structures.

Fibrocartilage

• Composed of dense fibers containing large amounts of collagen, found in areas experiencing compressive stress.
• Found in bone symphysis, including intervertebral discs, articular menisci, and cranial sutures.
• Responsible for creating scar tissue in places where hyaline cartilage has been damaged.