Tissue (biology)
Tissue is an assembly of similar cells with a specific function.
In biology, tissue is an assembly of similar cells and their extracellular matrix from the same embryonic origin that together carry out a specific function. Tissues occupy a biological organizational level between cells and a complete organ, with organs formed by the functional grouping of multiple tissues. The study of tissues is known as histology or, in connection with disease, as histopathology.
- field
- Biology
- known_for
- Fundamental biological organizational level between cells and organs
- study
- Histology and histopathology
- father_of_histology
- Xavier Bichat
- etymology
- From French 'tissu', meaning fabric, from 'tisser', to weave
Lore & Background
The English word 'tissue' derives from the French word 'tissu', meaning 'fabric', derived from the verb 'tisser', 'to weave'. The study of tissues is known as histology or, in connection with disease, as histopathology. Xavier Bichat is considered as the 'Father of Histology'. Plant histology is studied in both plant anatomy and physiology. The classical tools for studying tissues are the paraffin block in which tissue is embedded and then sectioned, the histological stain, and the optical microscope. Developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and the use of frozen tissue-sections have enhanced the detail that can be observed in tissues. With these tools, tissues can be examined in health and disease, allowing accurate medical diagnosis and prognosis.
Reader's Guide
Tissue is a key concept in biology, bridging the gap between individual cells and complete organs. In animals, tissues are classified into four basic types, though the source article focuses on plant tissues. In plant anatomy, tissues are categorized broadly into three tissue systems: the epidermis, the ground tissue, and the vascular tissue. Plant tissues can also be divided into meristematic tissues (actively dividing cells responsible for growth) and permanent tissues (cells that have lost the ability to divide and have specialized functions). The study of tissues, histology, is essential for understanding both normal physiology and disease. Histopathology, the study of diseased tissues, allows accurate medical diagnosis and prognosis. The development of tools such as the paraffin block, histological stains, optical microscopes, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen tissue-sections has greatly advanced the field.
Did You Know?
- The English word 'tissue' derives from the French word 'tissu', meaning 'fabric'.
- Xavier Bichat is considered the 'Father of Histology'.
- Plant tissues are categorized into three systems: epidermis, ground tissue, and vascular tissue.
- Meristematic tissue consists of actively dividing cells that increase plant length and thickness.
More in Cell & Molecular Biology 1-16
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record