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Histology and Tissue Types in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What is histology?

    Histology is the study of tissues, which are groups of structurally and functionally related cells and their external environment performing common functions.

  • What are the two basic components of all tissues?

    A discrete population of cells and the surrounding material called the Extracellular Matrix (ECM).

  • Name the four primary tissue types.

    Epithelial, Connective, Muscular, and Nervous tissues.

  • What is the function of the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

    Provides strength, directs cell placement, regulates cell activity, and holds cells in position.

  • What are the main components of the ECM?

    Ground substance (gel-like with extracellular fluid, water, ions, nutrients, macromolecules) and protein fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular).

  • What are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and their role?

    Negatively charged polysaccharides that attract ions and water, contributing to the gel-like ground substance.

  • Describe the three types of protein fibers in ECM.

    Collagen fibers: strong, resist tension.
    Elastic fibers: stretch and recoil.
    Reticular fibers: thin collagen forming supportive networks.

  • What are the three main types of cell junctions?

    Tight junctions: prevent passage of molecules.
    Desmosomes: distribute mechanical stress.
    Gap junctions: allow small substances to pass between cells.

  • What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?

    Protection, immune defense, secretion, transport, and sensation.

  • How is epithelial tissue classified by cell layers?

    Simple: one layer.
    Stratified: multiple layers.
    Pseudostratified: appears multilayered but is one layer.

  • How is epithelial tissue classified by cell shape?

    Squamous: flat.
    Cuboidal: cube-shaped.
    Columnar: tall.

  • What is the function and location of simple squamous epithelium?

    Allows rapid diffusion; found in lungs, blood vessels, and serous membranes.

  • What is the difference between paracellular and transcellular transport?

    Paracellular: substances pass between cells.
    Transcellular: substances pass through cells via membrane and cytosol.

  • Describe the structure and function of stratified squamous epithelium.

    Multiple layers with flat apical cells; provides protection; found in skin, mouth, esophagus.

  • What are the two main types of glands based on secretion method?

    Exocrine glands: release products via ducts.
    Endocrine glands: secrete hormones directly into blood.

  • Name the three modes of exocrine secretion.

    Merocrine: exocytosis.
    Holocrine: cell ruptures.
    Apocrine: cytoplasm pinched off.

  • What are the main functions of connective tissue?

    Bind, support, protect, and transport substances.

  • Name the types of connective tissue proper.

    Loose (areolar), dense irregular, dense regular collagenous, dense regular elastic, reticular, and adipose tissues.

  • What are the specialized connective tissues?

    Cartilage, bone, and blood.

  • What are the three types of cartilage?

    Hyaline: fine collagen, covers bone ends.
    Fibrocartilage: thick collagen bundles.
    Elastic: elastic fibers, found in ear and larynx.

  • What are the main cell types in connective tissue proper?

    Fibroblasts (produce fibers and ground substance), adipocytes (store lipids), mast cells (inflammatory mediators), and phagocytes (engulf foreign substances).

  • Describe the three types of muscle tissue.

    Skeletal: voluntary, multinucleate.
    Cardiac: involuntary, branched, intercalated discs.
    Smooth: involuntary, spindle-shaped, found in hollow organs.

  • What are the components of nervous tissue?

    Neurons: generate and conduct impulses.
    Neuroglial cells: support neurons and maintain environment.

  • Name the four types of membranes in the body.

    Serous (line body cavities), synovial (line joint cavities), mucous (line passages open to outside), and cutaneous (skin).

  • What is the difference between regeneration and fibrosis in tissue repair?

    Regeneration: damaged cells replaced with same type.
    Fibrosis: collagen fills defect, forming scar tissue.