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Anatomy & Physiology Chapter 3: Tissues, Membranes & Development

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Terms in this set (26)

  • What is epithelium?

    Epithelium is a sheet of cells that covers exposed surfaces and lines internal cavities and passageways.

  • List the primary functions of epithelial tissue.

    Physical protection, control permeability, provide sensation, and produce secretions.

  • What are microvilli and their function?

    Microvilli are apical specializations that increase surface area for absorption and secretion.

  • Describe the basal lamina and its layers.

    The basal lamina anchors epithelium to connective tissue and has two layers: lamina lucida (clear, thin) and lamina densa (dense, provides strength).

  • How are epithelia classified by layers and shape?

    By number of layers: simple (single), stratified (multiple). By shape: squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), columnar (tall), transitional (shape changes with stretch).

  • Where is simple squamous epithelium found and its function?

    Found in mesothelia, endothelia, kidney tubules, lung alveoli; functions to reduce friction, control permeability, absorption, and secretion.

  • What distinguishes stratified squamous epithelium?

    Multiple layers providing physical protection against abrasion, pathogens, and chemical attack; found on skin surface and lining of mouth, throat, esophagus, anus, and vagina.

  • Name the three mechanisms of glandular secretion.

    Merocrine (exocytosis without cell damage), apocrine (loss of apical cytoplasm), holocrine (cell bursts and is replaced).

  • What is the difference between simple and compound exocrine glands?

    Simple glands have a single unbranched duct; compound glands have a branched duct system.

  • What are the three main components of connective tissue?

    Specialized cells, extracellular protein fibers, and ground substance.

  • Define the matrix in connective tissue.

    The matrix is the extracellular component composed of protein fibers plus ground substance.

  • Where is elastic connective tissue found and its function?

    Between vertebrae, ligaments of penis and transitional epithelia, blood vessel walls; stabilizes, cushions shocks, permits expansion and contraction.

  • What is the function of dense irregular connective tissue?

    Provides strength to resist forces from many directions and prevents overexpansion of organs like the urinary bladder.

  • Name the formed elements of blood.

    Red blood cells, white blood cells (monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils), and platelets.

  • List the four types of tissue membranes.

    Mucous, serous, cutaneous, and synovial membranes.

  • What is the composition and function of superficial fascia?

    Located between skin and organs; composed of areolar and adipose tissue; also called subcutaneous layer or hypodermis.

  • Describe skeletal muscle tissue characteristics and functions.

    Long, cylindrical, striated, multinucleate cells; moves/stabilizes skeleton, guards entrances/exits, generates heat, protects organs.

  • What are the key features of cardiac muscle tissue?

    Short, branched, striated cells with usually one nucleus; interconnected by intercalated discs; function to circulate blood and maintain blood pressure.

  • What is the role of neural tissue?

    Specialized to conduct electrical signals; composed of neurons (signal transmitters) and neuroglia (supporting cells).

  • What are the primary germ layers and their derivatives?

    Ectoderm: neural tissue, epidermis, glands; Mesoderm: connective tissue, muscle, cardiovascular system; Endoderm: epithelial linings of digestive and respiratory systems, glands.

  • How do exocrine and endocrine glands develop from epithelia?

    Exocrine glands retain ducts to surface; endocrine glands lose ducts and secrete directly into blood or tissue fluids.

  • What is mesenchyme and its significance?

    First embryonic connective tissue; star-shaped cells in ground substance; precursor to all connective tissues and aids repair in adults.

  • Describe the development of cartilage from mesenchyme.

    Mesenchymal cells become chondroblasts producing matrix; mature into chondrocytes within lacunae.

  • What are the three types of cartilage and their functions?

    Hyaline: stiff, flexible support; Elastic: tolerates distortion; Fibrocartilage: resists compression and prevents bone contact.

  • What is the structure of bone tissue?

    Composed of compact and spongy bone covered by periosteum; contains osteocytes in lacunae, central canals, concentric lamellae, and canaliculi.

  • What changes occur in tissues with aging?

    Repair slows, epithelia thin, connective tissues become fragile; cardiac and neural tissues have limited regeneration leading to cumulative damage.