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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology and Tissue Types

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What are the major characteristics of epithelial tissue?

    Cellularity, special cell contacts (desmosomes, tight junctions), polarity (apical and basal surfaces), supported by connective tissue, avascular but innervated, and regeneration.

  • What are the three classifications of epithelium based on cell layers?

    Simple (one layer), stratified (multiple layers), and pseudostratified (all cells touch basement membrane but appear layered).

  • What are the three classifications of epithelium based on cell shape?

    Squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall and thin).

  • Functions of simple epithelium based on cell layers

    Adapted for diffusion, filtration, secretion, and absorption due to being one cell layer thick.

  • Functions of stratified epithelium based on cell layers

    Provides protection in areas subject to abrasion by having multiple layers.

  • Structure and function of simple squamous epithelium

    Flat cells with central nucleus; found in lungs and blood vessels; function in diffusion, filtration, and secretion.

  • Structure and function of simple cuboidal epithelium

    Cube-shaped cells with central nucleus; found in kidney tubules and gland ducts; function in absorption, active transport, and secretion.

  • Structure and function of simple columnar epithelium

    Tall cells with nuclei near base; found in digestive tract lining; function in secretion of mucus and absorption.

  • Characteristics of pseudostratified epithelium

    All cells touch basement membrane but not all reach free surface; found in respiratory tract; contains goblet cells that secrete mucus.

  • Structure and function of stratified squamous epithelium

    Multiple layers with flat outer cells; protects against abrasion; keratinized type waterproofs skin; nonkeratinized lines moist surfaces.

  • What is transitional epithelium and its function?

    Stratified epithelium that stretches; found in bladder and ureters; allows stretching as bladder fills.

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

    Collagen (strong, rope-like), reticular fibers (thin collagen webs), and elastin (elastic, stretchable).

  • What are the three components of connective tissue extracellular matrix?

    Protein fibers, ground substance (nonfibrous proteins and molecules), and fluid (water).

  • What are the main cell types in connective tissue?

    Blasts (immature/building), cytes (mature), and clasts (breaking down/remodeling).

  • Characteristics and function of areolar connective tissue

    Loose arrangement of collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers; anchors skin to tissues; found around organs and capillaries.

  • Characteristics and function of adipose tissue

    Cells filled with fat, highly vascular; cushions, insulates, and stores energy; found under skin and around organs.

  • Differences between dense regular and dense irregular connective tissue

    Dense regular: collagen fibers aligned, found in tendons and ligaments, resists unidirectional stress.
    Dense irregular: collagen fibers random, found in dermis and organ capsules, resists stress in multiple directions.

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

    Hyaline: supports and lubricates joints.
    Elastic: flexible support (ear, epiglottis).
    Fibrocartilage: absorbs compressive forces (intervertebral discs).

  • Why is cartilage avascular and what cells does it contain?

    Cartilage lacks blood vessels; main cells are chondroblasts, chondrocytes, and chondroclasts.

  • Basic properties of bone tissue

    Mineralized matrix with hydroxyapatite and collagen; contains osteocytes in lacunae; highly vascular and heals readily.

  • Why is blood classified as connective tissue?

    Derived from mesenchyme and consists of cells suspended in a fluid matrix (plasma).

  • What are the three types of muscle tissue and their characteristics?

    Skeletal: striated, voluntary, multinucleated.
    Cardiac: striated, involuntary, uninucleated.
    Smooth: nonstriated, involuntary, uninucleated.

  • What are the three embryonic germ layers and their tissue derivatives?

    Ectoderm: epidermis and nervous system.
    Mesoderm: muscle, bone, blood.
    Endoderm: linings of digestive and respiratory tracts.

  • What are the three epithelial membranes and their locations?

    Cutaneous: skin.
    Mucous: lines body cavities open to exterior.
    Serous: lines closed body cavities.

  • What are the three steps of tissue repair?

    Inflammation, organization (restoring blood supply), and regeneration (replacement of tissue).