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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology Study Guide

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Terms in this set (15)

  • List several structural and functional characteristics of epithelial tissue.

    Epithelial tissue is composed of tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix, has polarity with apical and basal surfaces, avascular but innervated, and functions in protection, absorption, secretion, and filtration.

  • Name and classify the various types of epithelia.

    Epithelia are classified by cell layers: simple (one layer) and stratified (multiple layers), and by cell shape: squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall).

  • Chief function and location of simple squamous epithelium.

    Simple squamous epithelium allows rapid diffusion and filtration; found in alveoli of lungs and lining blood vessels (endothelium).

  • Chief function and location of stratified squamous epithelium.

    Stratified squamous epithelium protects against abrasion; found in skin epidermis and lining of mouth, esophagus, and vagina.

  • Define gland.

    A gland is a structure composed of epithelial cells specialized to produce and secrete substances like hormones, enzymes, or mucus.

  • Differentiate between exocrine and endocrine glands.

    Exocrine glands secrete products onto body surfaces or cavities via ducts; endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

  • Common characteristics of connective tissue.

    Connective tissue has cells, abundant extracellular matrix with fibers and ground substance, is vascular (except cartilage), and supports, binds, and protects organs.

  • List and describe the structural elements of connective tissue.

    Connective tissue consists of cells (fibroblasts, macrophages), fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular), and ground substance (fluid or gel that fills space).

  • Types of connective tissue found in the body.

    Connective tissues include loose connective tissue (areolar, adipose, reticular), dense connective tissue (regular, irregular, elastic), cartilage, bone, and blood.

  • Characteristic functions of connective tissue types.

    Loose connective tissue cushions and supports; dense connective tissue provides strong attachment; cartilage offers flexible support; bone provides rigid support; blood transports substances.

  • Compare the three types of muscle tissue by structure and location.

    Skeletal muscle is striated, voluntary, attached to bones; cardiac muscle is striated, involuntary, found in the heart; smooth muscle is non-striated, involuntary, found in walls of hollow organs.

  • General characteristics of nervous tissue.

    Nervous tissue consists of neurons that transmit electrical signals and supporting glial cells that protect and nourish neurons.

  • Structure and function of cutaneous membrane.

    The cutaneous membrane is the skin, composed of a stratified squamous epithelium (epidermis) and underlying connective tissue (dermis); it protects and prevents water loss.

  • Structure and function of mucous membranes.

    Mucous membranes line body cavities open to the exterior, composed of epithelium over connective tissue, and secrete mucus to protect and lubricate.

  • Structure and function of serous membranes.

    Serous membranes line closed body cavities, composed of simple squamous epithelium over connective tissue, and secrete serous fluid to reduce friction between organs.