These tapered tissue grinders have an improved design, which incorporates a longer tapered surface on both the mortar and pestle. The conical surface allows initial size reduction followed by passage through the cylindrical section for the final homogenization step. Grinding efficiency is improved, and less time is required as compared to the Tenbroeck and Potter-Elvehjem designs. When the pestle is bottomed within the mortar, the clearance is a uniform .004" to .006" (0.1 to 0.15 mm). The components are interchangeably ground, which allows easier replacement of parts; there is also no need to keep parts matched during cleaning. The ground glass surface on both the mortar and pestle are capable of homogenizing connective tissue including heart, muscle and lung. This unit can also be used for homogenizing skin and plant tissue, and is made from 33® low extractable borosilicate glass (meets ASTM Type I Class A and USP Type I Standards).