Tissues: Functions and Applications
| Tissue/What it Does | Transplantation Uses |
Eyes/Cornea |
|
| Allows light to enter the eye | Restores sight to those with corneal damage |
Heart Valves |
|
| Direct flow of blood through heart | Used to repair diseased heart valves |
Pericardium |
|
| Lining around the heart | Used in lung repair and cranial surgeries |
Skin |
|
| Outer covering of the body | Temporary "Human Bandage" for burn victims, promotes healing, prevents infection, may be used for cosmetic / reconstructive surgery |
| Fascia | |
| Fibrous tissue that covers the muscle | Used in brain surgeries and to repair tendons, ligaments |
Bone |
|
| Supports the body, protects vital organs | Facial Reconstruction, limb-saving procedures, correction of birth-defects, spinal or oral surgery |
Veins/Vessels |
|
| Transport blood | Used to replace diseased arteries |
Cartilage |
|
| Connective tissue that serves as skeletal tissue in some parts of the body (e.g., nose and outer ear) | Facial and other reconstruction |
Tendons |
|
| Attach muscles to bone | For use in joint injuries |
Ligaments |
|
| Strengthen bone joints | For use in joint injuries |