Skip to main content
Back

Anatomy & Physiology: Tissue Types and Functions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/26
  • What are tissues in the human body?
    Groups of cells with similar structure and function that form the basic building blocks of organs and the body.
  • Name the four primary tissue types.
    Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.
  • What is the main function of epithelial tissue?
    To cover body surfaces, line cavities, and form glands.
  • How are epithelial tissues classified?
    By the number of cell layers (simple or stratified) and the shape of cells at the apical surface (squamous, cuboidal, columnar).
  • Define simple epithelium.
    A single layer of cells specialized for absorption, secretion, and filtration.
  • Define stratified epithelium.
    Multiple layers of cells providing protection in areas of high abrasion.
  • What are the three common epithelial cell shapes?
    Squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall and column-like).
  • How are glands formed from epithelial tissue?
    By the invagination of epithelial sheets.
  • Difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?
    Exocrine glands secrete into ducts; endocrine glands lose ducts and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
  • Where is simple squamous epithelium found and its function?
    In air sacs of lungs and lining of blood vessels; allows diffusion and filtration.
  • Function and location of simple cuboidal epithelium?
    Secretion and absorption; found in kidney tubules and small glands.
  • Describe simple columnar epithelium.
    Single layer of tall cells for absorption and secretion; may have cilia or goblet cells; located in digestive tract and uterine tubes.
  • What is pseudostratified columnar epithelium?
    Appears stratified but is a single layer; often ciliated with goblet cells; found in trachea and upper respiratory tract.
  • Function and location of stratified squamous epithelium?
    Protects against abrasion; found in skin, mouth, and esophagus.
  • What is transitional epithelium and where is it found?
    Resembles both stratified squamous and cuboidal; stretches to accommodate urine; located in urinary bladder.
  • What is the general function of connective tissue?
    Supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs.
  • What composes the extracellular matrix in connective tissue?
    Protein fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular) and ground substance.
  • Name major cell types in connective tissue.
    Fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, adipocytes, and white blood cells.
  • List types of connective tissue.
    Loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood.
  • What are the three types of muscle tissue?
    Skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle.
  • Describe skeletal muscle tissue.
    Long, multinucleate, striated cells; voluntary movement; attached to bones.
  • Describe cardiac muscle tissue.
    Branching, striated, usually uninucleate cells with intercalated discs; involuntary; found in heart walls.
  • Describe smooth muscle tissue.
    Spindle-shaped, non-striated cells; involuntary; located in walls of hollow organs.
  • What is the main function of nervous tissue?
    Specialized for communication via electrical impulses.
  • What are the two main cell types in nervous tissue?
    Neurons (transmit electrical signals) and supporting cells (neuroglia).
  • Where is nervous tissue located?
    Brain, spinal cord, and nerves.