Cells, Tissues, Organs, Systems
Notes from 1/6/14
Cell: the basic unit of structure and function in a living thing. Examples: skin cell,
neuron (nerve cell), red blood cell, etc. etc.
Different kinds of cells have different functions. When cells with a similar function
join together, they make a tissue.
Tissue: cells with similar function joined together
Examples: muscle tissue; nervous tissue (sends electrical signals); connective tissue
(support); epithelial tissue (lining surfaces, inside and out)
Organ: different kinds of tissues working together to do a specific job, more
complex than tissue
Examples: stomach, lungs, brain, liver, etc. etc.
Organ system: group of organs working together to accomplish a major function
For example: digestive system (stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver,
pancreas, and more) working together to get nutrients for the body
Other examples: nervous system, skeletal system, muscular system, etc.