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Anatomy & Physiology: Tissue Types and Functions

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Terms in this set (18)

  • What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?

    Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands, providing protection, absorption, secretion, and filtration.

  • List key structural and functional characteristics of epithelial tissue.

    Characteristics include cellularity, polarity, attachment to basement membrane, avascularity, and regeneration.

  • How are epithelia classified and what are their chief functions?

    Epithelia are classified by cell layers (simple, stratified) and cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar), with functions like protection, absorption, and secretion.

  • Define a gland in anatomy.

    A gland is an epithelial structure that produces and secretes substances such as hormones, enzymes, or mucus.

  • Differentiate between exocrine and endocrine glands.

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

  • What distinguishes multicellular from unicellular glands?

    Unicellular glands consist of a single secretory cell; multicellular glands are composed of multiple cells forming a structure.

  • How are multicellular exocrine glands classified structurally?

    They are classified by duct structure (simple or compound) and secretory unit shape (tubular, alveolar, or tubuloalveolar).

  • How are multicellular exocrine glands classified functionally?

    Based on secretion type: merocrine (exocytosis), apocrine (part of cell pinches off), and holocrine (whole cell disintegrates).

  • What are common characteristics of connective tissue?

    Connective tissue has cells, extracellular matrix (fibers and ground substance), and is highly vascularized except cartilage.

  • Name the structural elements of connective tissue.

    Elements include cells (fibroblasts, macrophages), fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular), and ground substance.

  • What are the main types of connective tissue and their functions?

    Types include loose (support), dense (strength), cartilage (flexibility), bone (support), and blood (transport).

  • What is the primary function of muscle tissue?

    Muscle tissue is responsible for producing body movement through contraction.

  • Compare the three types of muscle tissue by structure and location.

    Skeletal muscle: striated, voluntary, attached to bones.
    Cardiac muscle: striated, involuntary, heart walls.
    Smooth muscle: non-striated, involuntary, walls of hollow organs.

  • What are the general characteristics of nervous tissue?

    Nervous tissue consists of neurons and neuroglia, specialized for rapid communication via electrical impulses.

  • Describe the cutaneous membrane.

    The cutaneous membrane is the dry skin covering the body, composed of epidermis and dermis, providing protection.

  • What are mucous membranes and their function?

    Mucous membranes line body cavities open to the exterior, secrete mucus for lubrication and protection.

  • Describe serous membranes and their role.

    Serous membranes line closed body cavities, secrete serous fluid to reduce friction between organs.

  • Outline the main stages of tissue repair in superficial wounds.

    Tissue repair involves inflammation, organization (restoring blood supply), and regeneration (replacement of damaged cells).