Emma and her mother were on their way to Emma's doctor's appointment when Emma asked her mother, "Mom, what am I made of? You and daddy say that I am made of love, but what does that really mean?"

"That's an excellent question, Emma." Her mother replied. "Let's ask Dr. Karen when we see her today."

When they arrived at Dr. Karen's office, Emma was excited to ask Dr. Karen about what she was made of. "Dr. Karen, can you tell me what I'm made of?"

"Of course, Emma!" She replied. "Your body is made up of systems, which are made up of organs which are made up of tissues."

"Ok." Said Emma, unsure of what that exactly meant.

Dr. Karen could tell Emma didn't quite understand so she tried to explain more.

"Tissues are made up of cells." She explained. "They make up organs that help your body do what it is supposed to."

What kind of tissues are there?

"The first kind of tissue is called epithelial tissue." Dr. Karen said. "This kind of tissue covers our body, organs, and lines the tubes and tunnels inside our body."

"Here are some places that you can find epithelial tissue in your body. This tissue works hard to protect your body and secretes materials to help your body work right!"

"Epithelial tissue is divided into smaller categories that are determined by the shape of the cell that makes up the tissue. Squamous, cuboidal, and columnar are their names. "

"Another kind of tissue is called connective tissue. This is the most common tissue in your body. It makes up your bones, blood, and cartilage."

"Ligaments and tendons, which connect bones and muscles, and cartilage are also types of connective tissue. "

"Connective tissue is unique to other tissues because it is made of a substance called matrix. The matrix determines the special kind of connective tissue that it is. Here are a the types of connective tissue."

"The third kind of tissue we have is called muscular tissue. Muscle tissue makes up our muscles, which help us run, walk, jump, and play. It even makes our heart beat!"