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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology and Tissue Types

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  • What is histology?

    Histology is the study of the structure and function of tissues.

  • Define tissue in anatomy.

    A tissue is a group of similar cells working together to perform a specific, specialized function.

  • What is exfoliative cytology and give a clinical example?

    Exfoliative cytology studies cells shed or scraped from epithelial surfaces. Example: The Pap Test screens cervical cells for abnormal growth or cancer.

  • Name the four primary tissue families.

    1. Epithelial Tissue
    2. Connective Tissue
    3. Muscle Tissue
    4. Nervous Tissue

  • List key characteristics of epithelial tissue.

    High cellularity, polarity (apical and basal surfaces), avascularity, and high regeneration capacity.

  • What is the function of the basement membrane in epithelia?

    The basement membrane anchors the basal surface of epithelial cells to underlying connective tissue.

  • Describe the roles of microvilli and cilia on epithelial cells.

    Microvilli increase surface area for absorption; cilia move mucus and particles, e.g., in respiratory tract.

  • What is the difference between mesothelium and endothelium?

    Mesothelium lines closed ventral body cavities; endothelium lines heart and blood vessels.

  • Name the three types of epithelial cell junctions and their functions.

    Tight junctions prevent leakage; desmosomes provide mechanical strength; gap junctions allow ion and molecule passage.

  • How are epithelial tissues classified by layers and shape?

    By layers: Simple (single layer), Stratified (multiple layers). By shape: Squamous (flat), Cuboidal (cube-shaped), Columnar (tall).

  • What is pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

    A single layer of cells with nuclei at different levels, appearing layered; usually ciliated.

  • Where is transitional epithelium found and what is its function?

    Found in urinary bladder and ureters; allows stretching and recoiling without tearing.

  • Differentiate endocrine and exocrine glands.

    Endocrine glands secrete hormones into blood; exocrine glands secrete through ducts onto surfaces.

  • What are goblet cells?

    Unicellular exocrine glands that secrete mucus directly onto epithelial surfaces.

  • Name and describe the three secretion modes of exocrine glands.

    Mero-crine: exocytosis without cell damage.
    Apocrine: apical cytoplasm shed.
    Holocrine: entire cell bursts to release contents.

  • What defines connective tissue?

    Cells scattered in an extensive extracellular matrix made of protein fibers and ground substance.

  • List the three main protein fibers in connective tissue matrix.

    Collagen: strongest
    Elastic: stretchy
    Reticular: forms branching stroma

  • What are fibroblasts and their role?

    Fibroblasts are abundant cells that produce protein fibers and ground substance in connective tissue.

  • Name four immune or defense cells found in connective tissue.

    Macrophages, microphages (neutrophils), mast cells, and lymphocytes.

  • What are the three branches of connective tissue?

    Connective Tissue Proper (loose/dense), Fluid Connective Tissue (blood/lymph), Supporting Connective Tissue (cartilage/bone).

  • What is the difference between tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses?

    Tendons connect muscle to bone; ligaments connect bone to bone; aponeuroses connect muscle to muscle or muscle to bone.

  • Compare cartilage and bone in terms of vascularity and cell types.

    Cartilage is avascular with chondrocytes; bone is highly vascular with osteocytes.

  • Name the three major types of cartilage.

    Hyaline (smooth, glassy), elastic (flexible), fibrocartilage (tough, shock-absorbing).

  • What are the four types of tissue membranes?

    Mucous (lines cavities open to exterior), serous (lines closed cavities), cutaneous (skin), synovial (lines joint cavities).

  • Describe skeletal muscle tissue characteristics.

    Large, elongated, multinucleated cells with striations; under voluntary control.

  • What distinguishes cardiac muscle tissue?

    Striated, branched cells interconnected by specialized junctions; involuntary control; found only in the heart.

  • Describe smooth muscle tissue.

    Short, spindle-shaped, non-striated cells; found in walls of hollow organs; involuntary control.

  • What are neurons and neuroglia?

    Neurons transmit electrical signals; neuroglia support, protect, and nourish neurons.