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Anatomy & Physiology: Tissue Types and Characteristics

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  • Define cytology.

    Cytology is the study of cells, their structure, function, and chemistry.

  • Define histology.

    Histology is the study of tissues, their structure, and function.

  • Define tissue.

    Tissue is a group of similar cells that perform a common function.

  • Name the four primary types of tissues.
    1. Epithelial
    2. Connective
    3. Muscle
    4. Nervous
  • Name some characteristics of epithelial tissue.
    • Cells are closely packed
    • Polarity with apical and basal surfaces
    • Avascular but innervated
    • High regeneration capacity
  • Name the 5 classifications of epithelial tissue.
    1. Simple squamous
    2. Simple cuboidal
    3. Simple columnar
    4. Stratified squamous
    5. Transitional
  • What are the 3 common cell shapes of epithelial tissue?
    1. Squamous (flat)
    2. Cuboidal (cube-shaped)
    3. Columnar (tall, column-shaped)
  • How are epithelial tissues named?

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

  • Structure, location, and function of simple squamous epithelium.

    Structure: Single layer of flat cells.
    Location: Lining of blood vessels, alveoli.
    Function: Allows diffusion and filtration.

  • Structure, location, and function of simple cuboidal epithelium.

    Structure: Single layer of cube-shaped cells.
    Location: Kidney tubules, glands.
    Function: Secretion and absorption.

  • Structure, location, and function of simple columnar epithelium (nonciliated and ciliated).

    Structure: Single layer of tall cells.
    Location: Nonciliated in digestive tract; ciliated in respiratory tract.
    Function: Absorption and secretion; cilia move mucus.

  • Structure, location, and function of stratified squamous epithelium.

    Structure: Multiple layers of flat cells.
    Location: Skin, mouth, esophagus.
    Function: Protection against abrasion.

  • Structure, location, and function of stratified cuboidal epithelium.

    Structure: Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells.
    Location: Sweat glands, mammary glands.
    Function: Protection and secretion.

  • Structure, location, and function of stratified columnar epithelium.

    Structure: Multiple layers with tall cells on surface.
    Location: Male urethra, large ducts.
    Function: Protection and secretion.

  • Structure, location, and function of transitional epithelium.

    Structure: Multiple layers, cells change shape.
    Location: Urinary bladder.
    Function: Allows stretching.

  • Structure, location, and function of pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

    Structure: Single layer with nuclei at different levels.
    Location: Respiratory tract.
    Function: Secretion and movement of mucus.

  • Distinguish between exocrine and endocrine glands.

    Exocrine glands secrete products onto body surfaces or cavities via ducts.
    Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

  • Name the four major classes of adult connective tissue.
    1. Connective tissue proper
    2. Cartilage
    3. Bone
    4. Blood
  • Name three types of muscle tissue.
    1. Skeletal muscle
    2. Cardiac muscle
    3. Smooth muscle