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Anatomy & Physiology: Tissues and the Integumentary System

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Terms in this set (28)

  • What is a tissue?

    A tissue is a group of specialized cells and their extracellular matrix performing a common function.

  • Define extracellular matrix (ECM).

    The extracellular matrix is the non-cellular component consisting of proteins, fluid, and molecules that provide structural and biochemical support to cells.

  • What is histology?

    Histology is the microscopic study of tissue structure and organization.

  • Name the four primary tissue types.

    Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

  • List key characteristics of epithelial tissue.

    Polarity, avascularity, basal attachment to basement membrane, high regenerative capacity, and specialized cell junctions.

  • What are the specialized cell junctions in epithelial tissue?

    Gap junctions, tight junctions, spot desmosomes, and hemidesmosomes.

  • How is epithelial tissue classified by layers?

    Simple epithelium (single layer) and stratified epithelium (multiple layers).

  • How is epithelial tissue classified by cell shape?

    Squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall, column-like).

  • What are the two main types of glands formed by epithelial tissue?

    Exocrine glands (secrete via ducts) and endocrine glands (release hormones into blood).

  • Describe the three mechanisms of exocrine secretion.

    Merocrine: exocytosis; Apocrine: apical portion pinches off; Holocrine: cell ruptures.

  • What are the main fiber types in connective tissue?

    Collagen fibers (strong, flexible), reticular fibers (supportive networks), and elastic fibers (stretch and recoil).

  • Name the types of loose connective tissue.

    Areolar, adipose, and reticular tissues.

  • What distinguishes dense regular from dense irregular connective tissue?

    Dense regular has parallel collagen fibers (tendons, ligaments); dense irregular has interwoven fibers (dermis, organ capsules).

  • What are the three types of cartilage?

    Hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.

  • Describe skeletal muscle tissue.

    Striated, multinucleated, voluntary muscle that moves bones.

  • What is the regenerative capacity of cardiac muscle?

    Very limited; damage is usually replaced by scar tissue.

  • What are the main components of nervous tissue?

    Neurons (transmit impulses) and neuroglia (support and nourish neurons).

  • What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?

    Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

  • What layers make up the epidermis?

    Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum (thick skin only), and stratum corneum.

  • Name the specialized cells found in the epidermis.

    Keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells.

  • What is the function of melanocytes?

    They synthesize melanin to protect against UV radiation.

  • What are the main functions of the dermis?

    Provides blood supply, houses glands, hair roots, and sensory receptors.

  • What is the hypodermis composed of and its function?

    Adipose and areolar tissue; provides insulation and shock absorption.

  • What are the types of sweat glands and their functions?

    Merocrine (eccrine) glands for thermoregulation; apocrine glands produce body odor and activate at puberty.

  • Explain the ABCDE rule for skin cancer detection.

    A: Asymmetry; B: Border irregularity; C: Color variation; D: Diameter > 5 mm; E: Evolution (change).

  • What is the role of vitamin D synthesis in the skin?

    UV light converts epidermal steroid to vitamin D3, which is then converted by liver and kidneys to calcitriol for calcium absorption.

  • Describe the difference between insensible and sensible perspiration.

    Insensible perspiration is continuous, unnoticed water loss; sensible perspiration is noticeable sweating for cooling.

  • What is a dermatome?

    A skin area supplied by a single spinal nerve.