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Anatomy & Physiology: Cells and Tissues

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  • What are the four primary tissue types in the human body?

    Epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscular tissue, and neural tissue.

  • What is the main function of epithelial tissue?

    Covers exposed surfaces, lines internal passageways, and produces glandular secretions.

  • What characteristic defines cellularity in epithelial tissue?

    Cells are bound closely together with no intercellular space.

  • What is polarity in epithelial tissue?

    Structural and functional difference between the exposed apical surface and the attached basal surface.

  • What is the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?

    A layer that attaches the basal surface of epithelial cells to underlying connective tissue, consisting of basal lamina and reticular lamina.

  • Name three types of cell junctions found in epithelial tissue.

    Tight junctions, desmosomes (spot desmosomes), and gap junctions.

  • What is the function of tight junctions in epithelial cells?

    Prevent diffusion of fluids and solutes between cells by fusing outer layers of plasma membranes.

  • What are microvilli and where are they found?

    Fingerlike projections on the apical surface that increase surface area for absorption, found in urinary and digestive tracts.

  • What is the difference between simple and stratified epithelia?

    Simple epithelium has one cell layer; stratified epithelium has two or more layers.

  • List the three common shapes of epithelial cells.

    Squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (taller than wide).

  • Where is simple squamous epithelium found and what is its function?

    Lines body cavities, heart, blood vessels; reduces friction and controls permeability.

  • What is the function of stratified squamous epithelium?

    Provides physical protection against abrasion, pathogens, and chemical attack.

  • What are the main functions of connective tissue?

    Structural framework, transport of fluids, protection, support, energy storage, and defense against microorganisms.

  • What are the three main components of connective tissue?

    Specialized cells, extracellular protein fibers, and matrix (protein fibers plus ground substance).

  • Name the three types of fibers in connective tissue proper.

    Collagen fibers, reticular fibers, and elastic fibers.

  • What is the function of collagen fibers in connective tissue?

    Provide tensile strength to resist tension.

  • Where is areolar connective tissue found and what is its function?

    Deep dermis, between muscles, around blood vessels and nerves; connects skin to muscle and allows independent movement.

  • What distinguishes adipose tissue and what are its functions?

    Contains adipocytes storing lipids; provides cushioning and insulation.

  • What are the characteristics of dense regular connective tissue?

    Fibers densely packed in parallel; found in tendons and ligaments; provides strong attachment.

  • What is the difference between compact and spongy bone?

    Compact bone has blood vessels trapped in matrix; spongy bone does not.

  • What are the four types of membranes in the body?

    Mucous, serous, cutaneous, and synovial membranes.

  • What is the function of mucous membranes?

    Line digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and urinary tracts; resist pathogen entry and keep surfaces moist.

  • What is the role of synovial membranes?

    Line joint cavities and produce synovial fluid to reduce friction.

  • What are the three types of muscle tissue?

    Skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle.

  • What are key features of skeletal muscle tissue?

    Multinucleated, striated, voluntary, incapable of cell reproduction but repair possible via myosatellite cells.

  • How does cardiac muscle tissue differ from skeletal muscle?

    Cardiac muscle cells are branched, have one nucleus, connected by intercalated discs, and are involuntary.

  • What are the characteristics of smooth muscle tissue?

    Non-striated, involuntary, tapered cells capable of reproduction; found in walls of blood vessels and organs.

  • What are the two main types of neural cells?

    Neurons (transmit impulses) and neuroglia (support and protect neurons).

  • How does aging affect tissues?

    Repair and maintenance decline; epithelia thin; connective tissues become fragile; cardiac and neural tissues cannot regenerate well.