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Anatomy & Physiology: Tissue Structure and Function

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Terms in this set (26)

  • What are tissues?
    Tissues are collections of specialized cells and cell products that perform specific functions. They combine to form organs like the heart or liver.
  • What is histology?
    Histology is the study of tissues.
  • What are the four general types of tissue?
    Epithelial, connective, muscle, and neural (nervous) tissues.
  • Functions of epithelial tissue
    Provides physical protection, controls permeability, provides sensation, and produces specialized secretions.
  • Characteristics of epithelial tissue
    Polarity (apical and basal surfaces), intercellular connections, attachment to basement membrane, avascularity, and regeneration.
  • What is the basement membrane?
    A structure connecting epithelial tissue to connective tissue, composed of the basal lamina and reticular lamina.
  • Types of cell junctions in epithelial tissue
    Gap junctions (rapid communication), tight junctions (prevent passage of water and solutes), and desmosomes (provide mechanical strength).
  • Difference between simple and stratified epithelia
    Simple epithelia have a single cell layer; stratified epithelia have multiple layers.
  • Shapes of epithelial cells
    Squamous (thin, flat), cuboidal (square), and columnar (tall, rectangular).
  • Function of simple squamous epithelium
    Specialized for absorption and diffusion, found in mesothelium and endothelium.
  • Function of stratified squamous epithelium
    Protects against mechanical stresses; keratin adds strength and water resistance.
  • Types of glandular epithelia
    Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream; exocrine glands secrete fluids through ducts onto epithelial surfaces.
  • Modes of exocrine secretion
    Merocrine (exocytosis), apocrine (part of cell lost), and holocrine (whole cell dies).
  • Types of exocrine gland secretions
    Serous (watery), mucous (mucin-rich), and mixed secretions.
  • Four types of membranes in the body
    Mucous, serous, cutaneous, and synovial membranes.
  • Functions of connective tissue
    Structural framework, transport of fluids, protection, support, energy storage, and defense against microorganisms.
  • Components of connective tissue
    Specialized cells, extracellular protein fibers, and ground substance (fluid).
  • Most abundant connective tissue cell type
    Fibroblasts secrete proteins and hyaluronan to maintain the matrix.
  • Types of connective tissue fibers
    Collagen fibers (strong, resist force), and elastic fibers (stretch and recoil).
  • What is ground substance in connective tissue?
    A clear, viscous fluid filling spaces between cells that cushions and supports tissues.
  • Characteristics of areolar connective tissue
    Least specialized, open framework with viscous ground substance and elastic fibers; holds capillary beds.
  • Difference between white and brown adipose tissue
    White stores fat and insulates; brown is vascularized, rich in mitochondria, and generates heat.
  • Cartilage matrix composition
    Firm gel containing chondroitin sulfates; cells called chondrocytes reside in lacunae.
  • Types of cartilage
    Hyaline (common, flexible), elastic (supportive, bends), and fibrocartilage (durable, limits movement).
  • What is the osteon?
    The structural unit of compact bone, containing a central canal with blood vessels surrounded by concentric lamellae and osteocytes.
  • Function of canaliculi in bone
    Small channels connecting osteocytes to exchange nutrients and waste.