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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology and Tissue Types

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Terms in this set (21)

  • What is histology?

    Histology is the study of tissues, which are groups of cells working together to form organs and organ systems.

  • What are the five characteristics of epithelial tissue?

    Cellularity, polarity, attachment to a basal lamina, avascularity, and regeneration.

  • What functions do epithelial tissues perform?

    Physical protection, control of permeability, sensation, and production of specialized secretions.

  • How are epithelial tissues classified by layers and shape?

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

  • Where is simple squamous epithelium found and what is its function?

    Lines ventral body cavities (mesothelium), heart, and blood vessels (endothelium); supports diffusion and absorption.

  • What is the difference between keratinized and nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium?

    Keratinized contains keratin, making it tough and water-resistant; nonkeratinized resists abrasion but requires moisture.

  • What is the role of simple cuboidal epithelium?

    Supports secretion and absorption, found in kidney tubules and gland ducts.

  • What is unique about transitional epithelium?

    It tolerates repeated stretching; cells change from cuboidal to squamous, as seen in the urinary bladder.

  • Where is ciliated simple columnar epithelium found and what is its function?

    In fallopian tubes; its secretions protect against chemical stress and cilia help move substances.

  • What distinguishes pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

    It appears stratified but is actually simple; ciliated cells occur in respiratory and male reproductive tracts.

  • What are endocrine glands and how do they function?

    Glands without ducts that release hormones into interstitial fluid; hormones travel via blood to target tissues.

  • What are exocrine glands and their secretions?

    Glands that release secretions into ducts leading to epithelial surfaces; examples include sweat, tears, digestive enzymes, and milk.

  • What are the main types of muscle tissue?

    Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissues.

  • What cells make up nervous tissue?

    Neurons and neuroglia.

  • What are the main functions of connective tissue?

    Support, binding, protection, insulation, metabolic support, and immune response.

  • What composes the extracellular matrix of connective tissue?

    Fibers and ground substance secreted by tissue cells; matrix properties vary by tissue type.

  • What is the difference between blasts and cytes in connective tissue?

    Blasts produce extracellular matrix and can divide; cytes maintain the tissue structure.

  • What roles do glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play in connective tissue?

    They trap water and ions; hyaluronic acid binds cells, lubricates joints, and maintains eyeball shape.

  • What are the types and functions of connective tissue fibers?

    Collagen fibers provide strength; reticular fibers form support networks; elastic fibers stretch and recoil.

  • What distinguishes dense regular from dense irregular connective tissue?

    Dense regular has parallel collagen fibers aligned with force (tendons, ligaments); dense irregular has interwoven fibers for strength in multiple directions (dermis, organ capsules).

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

    Hyaline cartilage supports and forms bone; fibrocartilage resists compression and torsion; elastic cartilage is flexible.