The term "fundamental tissue" refers to the basic building blocks of an organism's anatomy. Phonetically, the spelling can be broken down as /fʌndəˈmɛntəl ˈtɪsju/. The word "fundamental" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, and the "ta" of "tissue" is pronounced with a schwa sound. The letters "ntal" in "fundamental" are pronounced with a nasal sound due to the following "t." Overall, the spelling accurately represents the sounds of the word when spoken aloud.
Fundamental tissue refers to a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function within an organism. It is the basic building block of a living organism and is responsible for carrying out essential processes necessary for the organism's survival. Fundamental tissues are found in all multicellular organisms, including plants and animals.
There are four main types of fundamental tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue. Each type of tissue has distinct characteristics and performs specific functions within the organism.
Epithelial tissue lines the surfaces of the body and its organs, providing protection, secretion, and absorption. Connective tissue supports and connects different parts of the body, providing structural support and protection. Muscle tissue is responsible for movement and contraction, allowing the organism to perform various activities. Nervous tissue is involved in communication and transmission of signals within the body, enabling coordination and control.
Within each type of fundamental tissue, there are further subtypes with different structures and functions. For example, epithelial tissue includes stratified, simple, and cuboidal epithelium, while connective tissue consists of adipose, cartilage, and bone. The diversity and specialization of these tissues contribute to the overall function and efficiency of an organism, allowing it to carry out vital processes and maintain homeostasis.
In summary, fundamental tissue is a collection of cells that work harmoniously to perform crucial functions within an organism. It serves as the foundation for higher-level structures and systems in living organisms, ensuring their survival and normal functioning.
In botany, the tissue of the body of a plant, not the epidermis or a vascular bundle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "fundamental tissue" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words: "fundamental" and "tissue".
- "Fundamental" comes from the Latin word "fundamentum", meaning "foundation" or "basis". In English, "fundamental" is used to describe something essential, basic, or crucial.
- "Tissue" originates from the Latin word "tessera", referring to a small stone or tile. It later evolved to mean a woven fabric. In biology, "tissue" refers to a group of cells that have similar structures and functions.
When combined, "fundamental tissue" usually refers to the basic or foundational type of tissue in the human body, such as epithelial, connective, muscle, or nervous tissue. However, it is important to note that the specific usage and context may vary in different scientific fields.