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Anatomy & Physiology: Tissue Types and Functions

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Terms in this set (24)

  • What is a tissue?
    A group of cells working together to perform a specific function.
  • What are the four primary types of tissues?
    Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.
  • Where is epithelial tissue found and what are its functions?
    Located on body surfaces, hollow organs, and body cavities; functions include protection, absorption, filtration, and forming slippery surfaces.
  • Name three characteristics of epithelial tissue.
    Cellularity (closely packed cells), polarity (apex and basement membrane), and avascularity (no blood vessels).
  • What are tight junctions in epithelial tissue?
    Junctions at the apical region that close off intracellular space to prevent molecules passing between cells.
  • Describe simple squamous epithelium.
    Single layer of flat cells with disc-shaped nuclei; allows passive diffusion and filtration; found in alveoli and lining of heart.
  • What distinguishes stratified squamous epithelium?
    Multiple layers with basal cells cuboidal or columnar and surface cells squamous; protects against abrasion; keratinized on skin, non-keratinized in mouth and esophagus.
  • What is the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?
    Exocrine glands have ducts to carry products to surfaces; endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones into blood.
  • Name the three modes of exocrine secretion.
    Merocrine (exocytosis), apocrine (shed part of cell), and holocrine (cell bursts to release).
  • What are the three components of connective tissue?
    Specialized cells, protein fibers, and ground substance forming the extracellular matrix (ECM).
  • List four functions of connective tissue.
    Structural framework, binding tissues/organs, physical protection, fat storage, fluid transport, and defense against microorganisms.
  • What are fibroblasts and fibrocytes?
    Fibroblasts produce ECM proteins and ground substance; fibrocytes maintain and repair existing ECM.
  • Name the three types of protein fibers in connective tissue.
    Collagen (strongest), reticular (mesh-like support), and elastic (stretch and recoil).
  • What distinguishes dense regular connective tissue?
    Densely packed collagen fibers arranged in parallel; attaches muscle to bone (tendons) and bone to bone (ligaments).
  • What are the characteristics of cartilage?
    Firm, flexible gel matrix with 80% water; contains chondroblasts and chondrocytes; avascular and not innervated.
  • Name the three types of cartilage and a key feature of each.
    Hyaline (supports and resists stress), elastic (maintains shape with elastic fibers), fibrocartilage (absorbs shock with thick collagen).
  • What are the two major types of bone tissue?
    Compact bone with osteons for strength; spongy bone with trabeculae for lighter support and marrow storage.
  • What are the main functions of blood as connective tissue?
    Transports gases, nutrients, wastes, and hormones; fights pathogens; and enables clotting.
  • What composes body membranes?
    An epithelial sheet plus an underlying connective tissue layer.
  • What are the four types of body membranes?
    Cutaneous (skin), mucous (lines cavities open to exterior), serous (lines closed cavities), and synovial (lines joint cavities).
  • What characterizes skeletal muscle tissue?
    Long cells with peripheral nuclei and striations; voluntary movement; attached to bones.
  • What is unique about cardiac muscle tissue?
    Striated cells with 1-2 central nuclei and intercalated discs; involuntary contraction to pump blood.
  • Describe smooth muscle tissue.
    Spindle-shaped cells with single central nucleus; involuntary control; found in walls of hollow organs.
  • What are the two major cell types in nervous tissue?
    Neurons (generate and conduct impulses) and neuroglial cells (support and protect neurons).