Animal vs Plant Tissues and Key Organ Systems
Animal tissues have three main types you need to know. Muscle tissue contracts to create all your movements, epithelial tissue covers and protects your body surfaces, and glandular tissue produces essential substances like digestive enzymes and hormones.
Plant tissues work differently but just as cleverly. Epidermal tissue protects the plant like a natural armour, whilst palisade mesophyll handles photosynthesis in leaves. Spongy mesophyll allows gases to move through leaves, and xylem and phloem act like the plant's transport network.
Your digestive system is a perfect example of organ teamwork. Your mouth starts breaking down food, your stomach mixes it with powerful acids and enzymes, your small intestine absorbs all the good nutrients, and your large intestine deals with waste. Meanwhile, your circulatory system transports everything around your body, and your respiratory system handles the vital gas exchange that keeps you breathing.
Exam Focus: Learn the specific functions of each digestive organ - this frequently appears in GCSE questions!