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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology and Epithelial Tissue

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Terms in this set (28)

  • What are the four main tissue types in the human body?
    Epithelial, connective, muscle, and neural tissues.
  • What are key characteristics of epithelial tissue?
    Covers organs and body surfaces, lines cavities and hollow organs, has a free surface and basement membrane, is nonvascular, has little intercellular material, and heals rapidly.
  • How is epithelial tissue classified?
    By number of layers (simple, stratified, pseudostratified) and cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar).
  • Where is simple squamous epithelium found and what is its function?
    Lines alveoli, capillaries, blood and lymph vessels, and body cavity membranes; functions in diffusion, filtration, and reducing friction.
  • What is the function of stratified squamous epithelium and where is it located?
    Provides protection; found on the surface of skin, oral cavity, vagina, anal canal, and part of the pharynx.
  • What distinguishes keratinizing from nonkeratinizing stratified squamous epithelium?
    Keratinizing epithelium has a layer of dead cells filled with keratin for waterproofing; nonkeratinizing lacks this layer and remains moist.
  • Where is simple cuboidal epithelium found and what are its functions?
    Covers ovaries, lines kidney tubules and gland ducts; functions in absorption, secretion, and excretion.
  • What is the role of transitional epithelium and where is it located?
    Allows distension and protection; lines urinary bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra.
  • What features are characteristic of simple columnar epithelium?
    May have cilia for movement or microvilli for absorption, contains mucus-secreting goblet cells, and functions in secretion, absorption, and protection.
  • What is pseudostratified columnar epithelium and where is it found?
    Appears stratified but all cells touch the basement membrane; often ciliated with goblet cells; lines respiratory passages.
  • What are the main types of glands based on secretion method?
    Merocrine (exocytosis), apocrine (cell apex breaks off), and holocrine (whole cell disintegrates).
  • What distinguishes endocrine from exocrine glands?
    Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into blood or tissue fluid; exocrine glands secrete onto surfaces usually via ducts.
  • What are the main components of connective tissue?
    Cells (fibroblasts, macrophages, adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteocytes), matrix (ground substance and fibers like collagenous, elastic, reticular).
  • What are the functions of areolar connective tissue and where is it found?
    Binds structures together; located below skin and basement membranes of epithelia.
  • What is the primary function of adipose tissue?
    Stores energy as triglycerides, provides insulation and protection; found beneath skin, around organs, and in abdominal membranes.
  • What are the characteristics of dense regular connective tissue?
    Contains collagen fibers arranged in parallel for strength; found in tendons and ligaments; slow to heal due to low vascularity.
  • What is the structure and function of hyaline cartilage?
    Firm, solid matrix with collagen fibers; supports and aids bone development; found at ends of bones and tracheal rings.
  • What are the layers of the epidermis from deepest to most superficial?
    Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (only in palms and soles), stratum corneum.
  • What cell types are found in the epidermis and their functions?
    Keratinocytes produce keratin; melanocytes produce melanin; dendritic cells protect against microorganisms and cancers.
  • What pigments contribute to skin color?
    Melanin (brown to black), hemoglobin (red in blood), and carotene (orange-yellow from diet).
  • What are the main layers of the dermis and their tissue types?
    Papillary layer (areolar connective tissue) and reticular layer (dense irregular connective tissue).
  • What are the functions of sebaceous and sweat glands?
    Sebaceous glands secrete sebum for lubrication and protection; sweat glands regulate temperature and protect against bacteria.
  • What are the three types of joints based on tissue type?
    Fibrous (ligaments), cartilaginous (cartilage), and synovial (joint capsule).
  • What are the classifications of joints based on movement?
    Synarthrosis (no movement), amphiarthrosis (slight movement), diarthrosis (free movement).
  • What is the structure of a synovial joint?
    Articular cartilage, joint capsule (fibrous layer and synovial membrane), ligaments, menisci, and bursae.
  • What is osteoblast function in bone tissue?
    Bone-forming cells that perform matrix deposition (ossification).
  • What is the difference between compact and spongy bone?
    Compact bone has osteons with central canals; spongy bone has trabeculae with osteocytes in lacunae and open canaliculi.
  • What are the two methods of bone ossification?
    Endochondral ossification (from cartilage model) and intramembranous ossification (within connective tissue membrane).