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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology and Tissue Types

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What is a tissue?

    A tissue is a group of structurally and functionally related cells and their extracellular environment that together perform common functions.

  • What is histology?

    Histology is the study of the normal structure of tissues.

  • What are the four primary tissue types?

    1. Epithelial
    2. Connective
    3. Muscular
    4. Nervous

  • What are the two main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

    The ECM consists of ground substance and protein fibers.

  • What is the function of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

    ECM provides strength, directs cell placement, regulates cell development and survival, and holds cells in position.

  • Name the three families of macromolecules found in the ground substance of ECM.

    Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.

  • What are the three types of protein fibers in connective tissue?

    Collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and reticular fibers.

  • Describe collagen fibers.

    Tough, flexible fibers that resist stretching; found in tendons, ligaments, and deep skin layers.

  • Describe elastic fibers.

    Made of elastin protein; can stretch to 1.5 times their length and return to original length; provide elasticity.

  • Describe reticular fibers.

    Thin collagen fibers coated with glycoproteins; form supportive meshworks in organs and tissues.

  • What are the distinguishing characteristics of epithelial tissue?

    Polarity, specialized contacts, supported by connective tissue, avascular but innervated, and regenerative ability.

  • How is epithelial tissue classified?

    By cell arrangement: simple (one layer) or stratified (multiple layers), and by cell shape: squamous, cuboidal, or columnar.

  • What are the functions of epithelial tissue?

    Protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion, sensation, and selective transport.

  • What is the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?

    A structure composed of the basal lamina and reticular lamina that supports and anchors epithelial cells to connective tissue.

  • What is the difference between simple and stratified epithelia?

    Simple epithelia have one cell layer; stratified epithelia have two or more layers for protection.

  • What is the function of connective tissue?

    Connects tissues and organs, supports, protects, and allows transport of substances.

  • Name the main types of connective tissue proper.

    Loose connective tissue (areolar, adipose, reticular) and dense connective tissue (regular, irregular, elastic).

  • What are fibroblasts?

    Cells that produce protein fibers and ground substance in connective tissue.

  • What is the difference between white and brown adipose tissue?

    White adipose stores energy and insulates; brown adipose generates heat and has many mitochondria.

  • What are the three types of cartilage?

    Hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage.

  • What are the main functions of bone tissue?

    Supports body, protects organs, stores calcium, provides muscle attachment, and houses marrow for blood cell production.

  • What are the three main types of muscle tissue?

    Skeletal (voluntary, striated), cardiac (involuntary, striated), and smooth (involuntary, non-striated).

  • What are neurons and neuroglia?

    Neurons generate and conduct electrical signals; neuroglia support and protect neurons.

  • What is the difference between true membranes and membrane-like structures?

    True membranes do not open to the outside and include serous and synovial membranes; membrane-like structures open to the outside and include mucous and cutaneous membranes.

  • What factors affect tissue repair?

    Ability to undergo mitosis, nutrition (especially protein and vitamin C), and adequate blood supply.