Cell types and function

The following session will cover cell types and function within the context of this subject, focusing on the fundamental roles of cells as the building blocks of tissues and organs, and how specialized cell types perform unique functions through structural adaptations. We will discuss the major classes of eukaryotic cells, including epithelial, muscle, neuronal, connective and blood cells, and the relationship between structure and function. The lecture will also explore the integration of diverse cell types within tissues to support complex physiological processes and how cellular specialization, plasticity, and stem cell function contribute to health, repair, and adaptability in multicellular organisms. Cells are the fundamental units of life, forming all tissues and organs in the human body. In multicellular organisms, cells display remarkable variety, each type specialized for functions such as contraction, signaling, absorption, secretion, or protection. Despite their differences, all cells share a common ancestry and basic machinery. Through differentiation, each acquires structures needed for its tasks, linking function and structure to support the physiology of tissues, organs, and the whole organism. Eukaryotic cells are divided into major categories based on function and tissue distribution. Epithelial cells line organ surfaces and function as barriers or in absorption, secretion, and sensation. Muscle cells, skeletal, cardiac and smooth,