Biology
Confusing a Tissue with an Organ
Students call any body part made of cells a tissue, so they label the heart or stomach as a tissue.
Quick check
Why students make it
A tissue and an organ are both made of cells, so they can seem like the same level of organization. The confusing idea is that size decides the category, but structure and function decide it.
The rule done right
A tissue is a group of similar cells working together for one main job. An organ is made of two or more tissue types working together to perform a larger job.
Related resources
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Biology, Animal Tissues Infographic -
Biology, Plant Tissue Systems Infographic -
Biology, Cell Junctions Infographic -
Major Body Systems for Middle School Infographic -
Body Systems for High School Infographic - Levels of Biological Organization Cheat Sheet
- Animal Tissue Types Reference Cheat Sheet
- Plant Tissue Systems Reference Cheat Sheet
- Human Anatomy & Body Systems Overview Cheat Sheet
- Cell Structure & Function Cheat Sheet
- Biology, Specialized Cells and Their Jobs Worksheet
- Biology, Cell Structure, Plant vs Animal Cells Worksheet
- Cell Biology Worksheet
- Science, Human Body Systems Overview Worksheet
- Cell Explorer, Animal, Plant & Bacterial Cells Tool
- Human Body Systems Explorer Tool
- Plant & Animal Structures Explorer Tool
- Digestive System Journey Tool
- Plant Structure & Function Explorer Tool
- Cell Biology Lab Lab
- Circulatory System Flow Lab Lab
- Respiratory System Breathing Lab Lab