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Describe the Four Basic Human Body Structures and Their Functions

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1. Describe the four basic human body structure units and their functions

The four basic human body structures and their units are as follows –

• Cells • Tissues • Organs • Systems

Cells
A cell is the simplest and smallest unit of the human body. They can live independently and can also reproduce themselves.
Cells exist in a variety of shapes and sizes including elongated, oval and square. Cells have many different functions. A group of cells is called a tissue. The study of the structure, and the form of cells and tissues is called histology.

Joanne Thomas NC26585 Assignment 1 Page 2
Tissues

Tissue is a group/organization of a number of similar cells, not all are identical, but all are from the same origin. They carry out a similar function, of which consists of a varying amount of non-living and intercellular substances.
There are four main types of tissues –

Epithelial tissue
This is widespread throughout the body. They form the covering to all the body surfaces and is the main tissue found in glands. This tissue performs a variety of functions including protection, secretion, absorption, filtration and sensory receptors.

Connective tissue
This binds structures together and provides a framework and support for organs and the body as a whole. It also acts as a transport system to carry substances around the body, and it also helps to store flat. It helps to protect the body against disease and helps repair tissue damage. They are able to reproduce but not as quickly as epithelial tissue.

Nervous tissue
Nervous tissue is found in the brain, spinal cord and nerves. It coordinates and controls many of the body’s activities. It stimulates muscle contraction, and pays a major role in emotions, memory and reasoning, as well as creating an awareness

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