Question

A hypothetical organ has the following functional requirements: (1) the ability to resist surface abrasion and mechanical stresses; (2) the ability to contract involuntarily when stimulated by cells of the nervous system; and (3) the ability to resist tension in many different planes of force. The organ needs one tissue to carry out each of these requirements, and it also needs one tissue to "glue" all other tissues together, and one tissue to stimulate the contracting cells. What are the five tissues that will make up this hypothetical organ? Justify your choices.

Answer 1

Answer:

The five tissues needed that could make up this hypothetical organ are stratified squamous epithelial tissue, smooth muscle tissue, dense irregular connective tissue, loose connective tissue, and nervous tissue.

Explanation:

Ability to resist surface abrasion and mechanical stresses

Stratified squamous epithelial tissue

This consists of scale-like cells stacked together in layers that provide a  barrier that is resistant to abrasions and wear-and-tear. This is also the most common type of stratified epithelium in the body. The top layer of this tissue has two types: keratinized, lined with dead cells with keratin, and non-keratinized, also with dead cells but without the keratin. In the human body, the skin is composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

Ability to contract involuntarily when stimulated by cells of the nervous system

Smooth muscle tissue

Smooth muscle, known for its non-striated appearance, is a kind of involuntary muscle cells that are stimulated by neural signals by the autonomic nervous system, hormones, and local factors such as a wall stretch of a certain organ, inflammation of visceral/parietal organs, etc. In the human body, this is mostly found in the walls of blood vessels and organ systems.

Ability to resist tension in many different planes of force

Dense irregular connective tissue

This is a kind of connective tissue made up of collagen fibers arranged randomly. This creates greater strength and support in all directions. It can also return to its original shape even after stretching.

One tissue to "glue" all other tissues together

Loose connective tissue

Also known as areolar tissue, it is loosely made up of collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers, and lots of ground substance. It is arranged in a web-like fashion and serves as the "cement" which fills in spaces between tissues.

One tissue to stimulate the contracting cells

Nerve tissue

It is a specialized kind of tissue responsible for communication within the body. It transmits and receives signal impulses throughout the body. The 2 types of nervous tissues are neurons and neuroglia.