Page:Structure and functions of the body; a hand-book of anatomy and physiology for nurses and others desiring a practical knowledge of the subject (IA structurefunctio00fiskrich).pdf/19

 all of which at first appear alike. By degrees, however, differentiation takes place and different groups of cells assume different characteristics. Thus the various tissues are gradually developed, each with a structure and a function of its own, and are distributed among the various organs, each organ consisting of several tissues. During the process of growth and even after full growth of the body is attained old cells are continually dying and being replaced by new ones.

The typical cell is circular, but through being squeezed together in the tissues or for some other reason the cells vary in shape in different parts, being at times hexagonal, spindle-shaped, or columnar. Yet, whatever their differences in shape or other characteristics, they all live the same sort of life. All protoplasm absorbs oxygen when it comes in contact with it and in the process of combining with it is in part burned or oxidized, with the consequent setting free of heat and other forms of energy and the formation of carbon dioxide. So long as the body is alive, therefore, whether it is in a state of activity or of rest, it is the seat of constant chemical change throughout all its cells, and to these chemical changes are due all the forms of energy manifested by the body. For energy is never destroyed, though it may appear in a different form, and the elements of the human body are so combined that their energy may be liberated and manifested in the different functions the body exhibits.

The fundamental tissues of the body are the epithelial tissues, the connective tissues, including the cartilaginous and bony tissues, and the muscular and nervous tissues. Of these the epithelial tissues serve as a protection to the surface of other tissues; the connective tissues together form a framework for the support and general protection of the other tissues; while energy is expended by muscular and nervous tissue, the latter directing the former in its movements. All the tissues are inter-*dependent and the organs work together. Besides cells every tissue contains a certain amount of lifeless matter,