UNIT 2 Lesson 2.2 Structures of Animal Cells
UNIT 2 Lesson 2.2 Structures of Animal Cells
Learning Objectives 2
Warm Up 2
Bibliography 23
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Lesson 2.2
Structures and Functions of Animal
Cells
Introduction
The shape of an airplane is similar to the general form of a bird. The shape of a boat
resembles that of a fish. These are some examples of similarities between the forms of
living and nonliving things. The structures present in living organisms are usually used as a
basis for designing objects. For example, the wings of an airplane are curved on top and
flatter on the bottom or underside as in a bird’s wings. This form decreases the pressure
on top of the wings and increases the pressure at the bottom. The increase in pressure
pushes the airplane or the bird upward and helps in flight. The structure of an airplane is
related to its function. Similarly, the structures and functions of the components that make
up our body and other organisms are also related to each other.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 1
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
organization. (STEM_BIO11/12-Ia-c-4).
● Differentiate animal cell types based on
Warm Up
Materials
● colored paper cups (colors of the rainbow)
● paper clips
● popsicle sticks with numerical values
Procedure
1. Divide the class into four groups.
2. Designate three different stations for each group. Let the students assign members
to each station. The number of members that will be assigned to each station may
depend on the class size.
3. Each participating team shall shuffle the given objects per station before the start of
the activity.
4. Sort the given materials based on the given task or instruction per station. These are
as follows.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 2
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 3
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Fig. 2.2.1. The hierarchy of biological organization includes the assemblage of life from the
smallest biomolecules to the interacting ecosystems of the biosphere.
Table 2.2.1. Different levels of biological organization
Level of
Biological Description Examples
Organization
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 4
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 5
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
includes all the different kinds of the entire surface of Earth
Biosphere
ecosystem where life thrives
Fig. 2.2.2. The four types of tissues in animals vary significantly in structure and function.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 6
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Epithelial Tissues
Epithelial tissue or epithelium is a type of animal tissue that forms the inner and outer
lining of organs, the covering in surfaces, and the primary glandular tissue of the body. In
terms of structure, epithelial cells are closely packed to form continuous sheets. This kind
of structure allows epithelium to form linings and impart protection to bodily structures.
The presence of cell junctions like desmosomes and tight junctions, as shown in Fig. 2.2.3,
permits the cells of epithelial tissue to absorb and filter different substances. One side of an
epithelial cell is unattached and is exposed to the body’s exterior or to the cavity of an
internal organ. This exposed part is called the apical surface. Some apical surfaces are
smooth, but some have surface modifications, such as cilia or microvilli. Another important
structure in epithelial tissues is the basement membrane. It is a structureless material
secreted by cells in the lower surface of the epithelium. The basement membrane serves to
adhere to the epithelium to the loose connective tissue underneath it.
Fig. 2.2.3. The different types of cell-cell junctions characterize various epithelial tissues.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 7
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Epithelial tissues are avascular, which means that they do not have a blood supply of their
own. They acquire nutrients and release waste materials through diffusion from the
capillaries in the underlying connective tissue. Another distinct characteristic of epithelium
is its ability to regenerate easily.
Epithelial tissues are classified based on cell arrangement or number of layers (i.e., simple
and stratified epithelial tissues), and based on cell shapes (squamous, cuboidal, and
columnar). They are given two names based on these two bases for classification. Table
2.2.2 below describes in detail the types of epithelial tissues in animals.
Table 2.2.2. Different types of epithelial tissues
walls of the
elongated or absorption and
gastro-
column- secretion; contains
one intestinal tract
shaped goblet cells that
and body
secrete mucus
cavities
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 8
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
absorption and
secretion;
usually ciliated
(with hair-like
elongated or projections called
one the lining of the
column- cilia); cells have
respiratory tract
shaped unequal length and
position of nucleus
forming a false
(hence, pseudo-)
layering of cells
vagina to friction
sweat glands,
more than salivary glands, protection and
cube-shaped
one and mammary secretion
glands
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 9
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Fig. 2.2.4. The basic components of connective tissues vary according to their type (left,
extracellular matrix; right, fibers and fibroblast).
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 10
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
● layers of a very
hard matrix with
calcium salts and
collagen fibers
Bone or osseous protection
● consists of bone skull and ribs
tissue and support
cells (osteocytes
and osteoclasts)
found in cavities
called lacunae
● hyaline cartilage
(hyalin, glass) with
glass-like rubbery
● more flexible
matrix and collagen
matrix than bone
fibers found in the protection
Cartilage ● cartilage cells
skeleton of fetus, and support
called
larynx, and joints
chondrocytes
● fibrocartilage, the
highly compressible
cartilage found in
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 11
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
vertebral disks
● elastic cartilage
found in the outer
ear
● tendon, a strong
rope-like structure
● matrix is
that connects
predominantly
skeletal muscles to
made up of
bones
Dense connective or collagen fibers
● a ligament is more support
dense fibrous tissue and has lesser
flexible (with more
cells
elastic fibers) than
● fibroblast or
tendon and it
fiber-forming cells
connects bones at
joints
● areolar tissue
(areola, small open
space), a soft tissue
that cushions the
● matrix contains organ it wraps, holds
more cells and internal organs in
protection,
lesser fibers than place and holds
Loose connective insulation,
dense connective water and salts for
tissue storage, and
tissue so it is the surrounding
support
softer tissues that need it
● adipose tissue or
fat tissue is mainly
made up of fat cells
or adipocytes
containing oils that
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 12
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
● plasma, a liquid
matrix
● cellular
● blood, the vascular
components
tissue that circulates transport of
consist of blood
in the body substances,
cells
Blood ● blood cells may be immune
● with fibers that
red blood cells, white response, and
are only visible
blood cells, and blood clotting
during clotting
platelets
because they are
made of soluble
proteins
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 13
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
The different connective tissues vary with the composition of their extracellular matrices
and the types of cells they consist of.
Muscular Tissues
Muscular tissue, or simply muscle (as shown in Fig. 2.2.5), is made up of specialized cells
that can shorten or contract to produce movements. Muscle tissues consist of long and
extensive muscle fibers. There are three types of muscle tissues that differ in structure and
function.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 14
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Fig. 2.2.5. The types of muscle tissues differ in their general structure but more or less
perform the same function, i.e., to elicit movement.
● Skeletal muscle is a muscle tissue attached to the skeleton or bones. These
muscles can be controlled consciously or voluntarily. Skeletal muscle cells
are long, cylindrical, striated (with visible stripes), and multinucleated (with
more than one nucleus). When they contract, they pull the bone and the skin
to cause movement.
● Smooth muscle or visceral muscle is a type of muscle tissue commonly
found in the walls of hollow organs such as intestines, stomach, bladder,
blood vessels, and uterus. It involuntarily contracts slower than the other
two types of muscle tissue. Smooth muscles are nonstriated, uninucleated,
and spindle-shaped (have pointed ends) cells.
● Cardiac muscle is a muscle tissue found in the heart. Unlike a skeletal
muscle, it is uninucleated (one nucleus) and it moves involuntarily (cannot
be controlled consciously). However, it has striations like skeletal muscle.
Cardiac muscle cells are branching together and fit tightly together at
junctions called intercalated disks. These disks contain gap junctions that
facilitate the rapid conduction of electrical impulses across the heart.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 15
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Nervous Tissues
Nervous tissue makes up the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. It is
composed of neurons and neuroglia or supporting cells. Each neuron serves as the basic
structural unit of the nervous system. The two basic characteristics of neurons are
irritability and conductivity. Irritability allows them to be sensitive and responsive to the
various stimuli, while conductivity allows for the transmission of the reception and
conduction of electrochemical signals from one part of the body to another. A neuron is
made up of the cell body or soma, dendrite, and axon as shown in Fig. 2.2.6. The dendrite
is the receiver of electrochemical signals from external stimuli or from adjacent neurons. It
transmits incoming signals towards the cell body. The cell body or soma contains the
nucleus and specialized organelles that produce molecules needed by the neuron.
Electrochemical signals will be transmitted away from the cell body through the axon. The
axon is surrounded by an insulating layer called the myelin sheath that allows impulses to
transmit quickly and efficiently along the neuron. The periodic gaps between myelin sheaths
on an axon are called Nodes of Ranvier. Between two neurons, or a neuron and a muscle
or gland, there is a neural junction or synapse where the transmission of electrochemical
signals occurs.
Fig. 2.2.6. Neuron, the basic unit of the nervous system, consists of structures that can
conduct electrochemical signals as a form of information.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 16
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
There are three types of neurons based on function. These are sensory neuron interneuron,
and motor neuron, the structural variations of which are shown in Fig. 2.2.7. Sensory
neurons are usually unipolar or pseudounipolar with an axon that branches into two
extensions. The first one is connected to the dendrite that receives sensory input, and the
other one transmits the information to the central nervous system. Interneurons are
bipolar or multipolar neurons with one axon and multiple dendrites. It connects the
sensory neuron to the motor neuron. Motor neurons are multipolar neurons that carry
electrochemical signals from the CNS to the muscles or glands.
Fig. 2.2.7. Neurons may be classified based on their number of cellular processes.
Aside from neurons, nervous tissues also contain neuroglia or supporting cells. They do
not conduct nerve impulses, but rather support, protect, or insulate neurons. There are six
types of neuroglia or glial cells—four of them are in the central nervous system (CNS) and
two in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and the spinal
cord, whereas the PNS consists of the nerves that are distributed throughout the body. The
glial cells, as shown in Fig. 2.2.8., include the astrocytes, microglial cells, ependymal cells,
and oligodendrocytes in CNS. Fig. 2.2.9. shows the satellite cells and Schwann cells in the
PNS.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 17
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Fig. 2.2.8. Neuroglia or glial cells in the central nervous system
Astrocytes are star-shaped cells that support and control the chemical environment
around the neurons. It is the most abundant glial cell in the CNS. Microglial cells are ovoid
cells in the CNS that can transform into a phagocytic macrophage to clean neuronal debris
and wastes. Ependymal cells are ciliated cells that line the central cavities of the brain and
the spinal cord and form a fairly permeable membrane between the cavities with
cerebrospinal fluid and the tissues of CNS. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for the
production of the myelin sheath.
In the PNS, satellite cells surround the cell body of a neuron, and Schwann cells surround
all the nerve fibers and produce myelin sheath similar to the oligodendrocytes.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 18
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Remember
The structure and form of the tissues in animals are always related
to their functions.
Epithelial tissues are made up of tightly packed cells because they
cover and protect bodily structures. Connective tissues are
characterized by the presence of ground substances and fibers that
support, bind, and protect organs. Muscular tissues are made up
of highly specialized cells that contract to cause movement. Lastly,
nervous tissues mainly contain networks of nerve cells that
possess irritability and conductivity to allow the transmission and
reception of electrochemical impulses.
Key Points
___________________________________________________________________________________________
● There are different levels of biological organization, and these include the following
(lowest to highest): chemical, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system,
organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.
● Animals have four types of tissue: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle
tissue, and nervous tissue. They all differ significantly in structures and functions.
● Epithelial tissue is composed of tightly packed cells that cover, line, and protect
the body part. It can be classified based on cell arrangement (simple, stratified,
pseudostratified) and cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar).
● Connective tissue is made up of cells and an extracellular matrix that connects,
protects, and supports body parts. Bone, cartilage, dense connective tissue, loose
connective tissue, and blood are the types of connective tissue.
● Muscular tissue is composed of highly specialized muscle cells that contract to
produce movement. It has three types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.
● Nervous tissue is made up of neurons that receive and conduct electrochemical
signals and supporting cells (glial cells) that support, protect, and insulate neurons.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 19
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
A. Identify the level of biological organization described in the items
below.
1. Which of the following tissue types is found in the linings of blood vessels?
A. epithelial tissue
B. connective tissue
C. muscle tissue
D. nervous tissue
2. Which of the following is a characteristic of connective tissues?
A. apical surface
B. basement membrane
C. ground substance
D. supporting cell
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 20
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
3. What type of animal tissue is involved when food moves from the esophagus to the
stomach?
A. epithelial tissue
B. cardiac muscle
C. skeletal muscle
D. smooth muscle
4. Which of the following is a function of nervous tissues?
A. connects different tissues and organs in the body
B. protects the surfaces of the body
C. responds to stimulus from the environment
D. stores substances like water and ions
5. Which of the following best describes the function of goblet cells in the columnar
epithelium of the respiratory tract?
A. It forms networks of fibers that cushions the lungs.
B. It produces mucus to protect the linings of organs.
C. It facilitates the outward movement of debris that may enter the lungs.
D. It transmits impulses that control breathing.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 21
Challenge Yourself
1. Explain why the epidermis of the skin can exfoliate and regrow easily.
2. Polar bears have a thick adipose tissue layer. What is the importance of this tissue
in the survival of polar bears during the winter season?
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 22
Bibliography
Campbell, Neil A. 2009. Biology (8th Edition). French Forest: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Campbell, Neil A., Michael L. Cain, Peter V. Minorsky, Jane B. Reece, Lisa A. Urry, and Steven
Alexander Wasserman. Biology: a Global Approach. Harlow, Essex, England: Pearson
Education Limited, 2018.
Mader, Sylvia S. 2011. Concepts of Biology. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Madigan, Michael T., Kelly S. Bender, Daniel H. Buckley, W. Matthew. Sattley, and David A.
Stahl. Brock Biology of Microorganisms. Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson Education
Limited, 2017.
Marieb, Elaine Nicpon. Human Anatomy & Physiology. New York: Pearson Education, 2004.
2.2. Structures and Functions of Animal Cells 23