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Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology: Tissue Level of Organization

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What are the four basic types of tissues?
    Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Nervous tissues.
  • What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?
    Provide physical protection, control permeability, provide sensation, and produce specialized secretions.
  • List key characteristics of epithelial tissue.
    Polarity, cellularity, attachment to basement membrane, avascularity, and regeneration.
  • What is the function of microvilli on the apical surface of epithelial cells?
    Increase surface area for absorption or secretion.
  • What role do cilia play on epithelial cells?
    Move fluids over the epithelium for protection and lubrication.
  • Name three types of cell junctions in epithelial tissue.
    Gap junctions, tight junctions, and desmosomes.
  • What is the function of gap junctions?
    Hold cells together and allow passage of small molecules and ions between cells.
  • Describe the role of tight junctions.
    Bind plasma membranes tightly to prevent passage of water and solutes between cells.
  • What are desmosomes and their function?
    Cell adhesion molecules and proteoglycans link opposing membranes; they stabilize cell shape and anchor cells to the basement membrane.
  • What are the two layers of the basement membrane?
    Basal lamina (selective filter) and reticular lamina (provides strength).
  • How are epithelial cells maintained and repaired?
    By continual division of stem cells near the basement membrane.
  • How are epithelia classified by cell shape?
    Squamous (flat), cuboidal (boxy), and columnar (tall and slender).
  • How are epithelia classified by number of layers?
    Simple (single layer) and stratified (multiple layers).
  • Where is simple squamous epithelium found and what is its function?
    Lining of lung alveoli and blood vessels; functions in absorption and diffusion.
  • What is the function of stratified squamous epithelium?
    Protects against mechanical stresses and abrasion.
  • What is unique about transitional epithelium?
    Cells change shape from cuboidal to squamous when stretched; tolerates repeated stretching without damage.
  • What distinguishes endocrine glands from exocrine glands?
    Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream and have no ducts; exocrine glands secrete onto epithelial surfaces through ducts.
  • Name the three types of connective tissue fibers.
    Collagen fibers (strong, flexible), reticular fibers (thin, branching), and elastic fibers (stretch and recoil).
  • What are the main functions of connective tissue?
    Structural framework, transport, protection, support, energy storage, and defense against microorganisms.
  • What are fibroblasts and their role?
    Most abundant connective tissue cells; secrete ground substance and protein fibers.
  • What is the difference between loose and dense connective tissue?
    Loose connective tissue fills spaces and cushions; dense connective tissue contains tightly packed collagen fibers for strength.
  • What is the function of adipose tissue?
    Provides padding, shock absorption, insulation, and energy storage.
  • What are the three types of cartilage and their characteristics?
    Hyaline (tough, flexible), elastic (supportive, flexible), fibrocartilage (very durable, resists bone contact).
  • How does cartilage grow?
    By interstitial growth (from within) and appositional growth (adding to surface).
  • What is the composition of bone matrix?
    Calcified matrix with calcium salts for hardness and collagen fibers for strength and flexibility.
  • What are the three types of muscle tissue?
    Skeletal (striated voluntary), cardiac (striated involuntary), and smooth (nonstriated involuntary).
  • What are the main cell types in nervous tissue?
    Neurons (conduct electrical impulses) and neuroglia (supporting cells).
  • What are the two stages of tissue response to injury?
    Inflammation (immune response) and regeneration (repair and replacement).
  • How does aging affect tissue structure and repair?
    Slows repair, reduces energy consumption, thins tissues, increases fragility, and raises cancer risk.