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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology and Tissue Types

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is histology?

    Histology is the study of normal structures of tissues, which are groups of structurally and functionally related cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) that perform common functions.

  • What are the two basic components shared by all tissues?

    1. Discrete population of related cells
    2. Extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding the cells

  • Name the four primary tissue types.

    Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

  • What are the main functions of epithelial tissues?

    Protection, immune defense, secretion, selective transport, and sensation.

  • Describe connective tissue and its main functions.

    Connective tissue connects, supports, protects, and transports substances; characterized by cells scattered in a prominent ECM.

  • What is the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its functions?

    ECM is the material surrounding tissue cells, composed of ground substance and protein fibers; it provides strength, directs cell positioning, and regulates cell development and survival.

  • List the three major types of cell junctions and their functions.

    Tight junctions: make spaces between cells impermeable.
    Desmosomes: increase resistance to mechanical stress.
    Gap junctions: allow small substances to move between cells.

  • What are the two criteria used to classify epithelial tissues?

    Number of cell layers (simple or stratified) and shape of cells (squamous, cuboidal, columnar).

  • Define simple epithelium and its general function.

    Single cell layer epithelium adapted for transportation of substances between tissues.

  • Describe simple squamous epithelium and where it is found.

    Very thin, flat cells adapted for rapid diffusion; found in lung air sacs, kidney tubules, and blood vessel linings.

  • What distinguishes stratified epithelium from simple epithelium?

    Stratified epithelium has multiple cell layers and provides protection against mechanical stress.

  • What is keratinized stratified squamous epithelium?

    Multiple layers with dead, keratin-filled apical cells; tough and resistant to friction; found in outer skin layers.

  • Name the four basic types of connective tissue proper.

    Loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, reticular tissue, and adipose tissue.

  • What are fibroblasts and their role in connective tissue proper?

    Fibroblasts are the most common resident cells that produce protein fibers and ground substance of the ECM.

  • Describe the function of mast cells in connective tissue.

    Mast cells contain granules with inflammatory mediators like histamine and release them to cause inflammation.

  • What is the main function of adipose tissue?

    Stores fat as energy reserve, provides insulation, and cushions organs.

  • What are the three types of cartilage based on ECM composition?

    Hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage, and elastic cartilage.

  • What is the composition and function of bone ECM?

    About 35% organic (collagen and ground substance) and 65% inorganic calcium phosphate crystals; provides strength and support.

  • What are serous membranes and their function?

    Thin membranes lining body cavities that do not open to the outside; produce serous fluid to reduce friction between organs.

  • How does tissue repair occur by regeneration versus fibrosis?

    Regeneration replaces damaged cells with the same type, restoring function; fibrosis fills gaps with collagen producing scar tissue, reducing function.