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Anatomy & Physiology: Tissue Types and Characteristics

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Terms in this set (22)

  • What are the six levels of structural organization in the human body?

    Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, and Organismal levels.

  • Define tissue in anatomy and physiology.

    Groups of similar cells that perform common or related functions.

  • What are the four basic tissue types in the human body?

    Epithelial, Nervous, Muscle, and Connective tissues.

  • List the five distinguishing characteristics of epithelial tissue.

    Polarity, Specialized contacts, Supported by connective tissue, Avascular but innervated, Regeneration.

  • What is the polarity of epithelial cells?

    They have an apical (top) surface exposed to the environment and a basal (bottom) surface attached to the basal lamina.

  • What specialized contacts bind epithelial cells together?

    Tight junctions and desmosomes.

  • How is epithelial tissue supported and separated from underlying tissue?

    By the basement membrane, composed of basal and reticular laminae.

  • Why is epithelial tissue described as avascular but innervated?

    It lacks blood vessels but is supplied by nerve fibers; nutrients diffuse from underlying connective tissue.

  • How are epithelial tissues classified by cell layers?

    Simple (one layer) and stratified (two or more layers).

  • What are the three main epithelial cell shapes?

    Squamous (flat), Cuboidal (cube-shaped), and Columnar (tall, column-like).

  • Describe simple squamous epithelium and its function.

    Single layer of flattened cells; allows rapid diffusion and filtration.

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

    Kidney tubules and gland ducts; involved in secretion and absorption.

  • What is the function of simple columnar epithelium?

    Absorption and secretion of mucus and enzymes; may have microvilli or cilia.

  • What distinguishes pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

    Single layer with varying cell heights, appears stratified; often ciliated and involved in mucus secretion.

  • What is the main function of stratified squamous epithelium?

    Protection against abrasion in areas of high wear and tear.

  • What is transitional epithelium and where is it found?

    Epithelium that changes shape when stretched; found in urinary bladder and ureters.

  • How are glands classified based on secretion site?

    Endocrine glands secrete internally (hormones); exocrine glands secrete externally (onto surfaces or cavities).

  • What are the two modes of secretion in exocrine glands?

    Merocrine (exocytosis) and holocrine (cell ruptures to release secretions).

  • What are the three main components of connective tissue?

    Ground substance, fibers, and cells.

  • Name the three types of fibers found in connective tissue.

    Collagen (strongest), elastic (stretch and recoil), and reticular (branched networks).

  • What is the difference between 'blast' and 'cyte' cells in connective tissue?

    'Blast' cells are immature and secrete matrix; 'cyte' cells are mature and maintain the matrix.

  • List some other cell types found in connective tissue besides blasts and cytes.

    Fat cells (adipocytes), white blood cells, mast cells, and macrophages.