The name "Histology" is derived from the Greek word for a tissue "Histos", and " -logos" = the

study of. Four fundamental tissues are recognized: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, m uscular tissue, and nervous tissue. Tissues are made of cells and extracellular matrix. Intense interaction between cells and matrix cells and extracellular matrix form a continuum that functions together and reac ts to stimuli and inhibitors together The small size of cells and matrix components makes histology dependent on the u se of microscopes