Introduction The epithelia (singular: epithelium ) are a diverse group of tissues that include both surface epithelia and solid organs . Surface epithelia cover or line all body surfaces, cavities and tubes and form the interface between different biological compartments.…
Introduction Supporting/connective tissue is the term applied to tissues which provide general structure, mechanical strength, space filling (sculpting body shape), and physical and metabolic support for more specialised tissues. Connective tissues usually have three structural properties with corresponding construction materials:…
Introduction Blood is a suspension of cells in fluid. It is circulated around the body by the heart and, as a result of this circulation, blood serves as the transport vehicle for gases, nutrients, waste products, cells and hormones. The…
Introduction The development of a single fertilised egg cell to form a complex multicellular organism involves cellular replication, growth and progressive specialisation ( differentiation ) for a variety of functions. The fertilised egg ( zygote ) divides by a process…
Introduction to the Cell Histology is the study of normal cells and tissues, mainly using microscopes. This book describes the histology of normal human tissues, although much of the material applies to other mammals and, indeed, non-mammals. Structure and function…
There are five special senses—smell, taste, feeling, vision, and hearing—each of which is perceived by receptors specific to that particular sense. The sense of smell and its receptors were described in Chapter 15 ; the sense of taste was described…
The two testes suspended in the scrotum, a system of intratesticular and extratesticular genital ducts, associated glands, and the male copulatory organ (the penis), constitute the male reproductive system ( Fig. 21.1 ). Spermatozoa formation—as well as the synthesis, storage,…
The female reproductive system consists of the internal reproductive organs (the two ovaries, two oviducts, uterus, and vagina; Fig. 20.1 ) and the external genitalia (the clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora). Open full size image Fig. 20.1 Schematic diagram…
The two kidneys not only remove toxic by-products of metabolism from the bloodstream by forming urine but they also conserve salts, glucose, amino acids, proteins, water, and additional materials required by the body. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure…
The major salivary glands associated with the oral cavity, pancreas, and liver are considered to be the extramural glands of the digestive system. Each of these glands has numerous functions aiding the digestive process; their secretory products are delivered to…