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Tissue Level of Organization - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What are the four major types of tissues in the body?
    Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Nervous tissues.
  • What are the primary functions of epithelial tissue?
    Covers exposed surfaces, lines internal passageways, forms glands, provides protection, controls permeability, provides sensation, and produces specialized secretions.
  • What are the key characteristics of epithelial tissue?
    Polarity (apical and basal surfaces), cellularity (cell junctions), attachment to basement membrane, avascularity, and regeneration.
  • Name three types of intercellular connections in epithelial tissue.
    Gap junctions (allow communication), Tight junctions (prevent passage of water and solutes), and Desmosomes (provide mechanical strength).
  • What is the function of gap junctions?
    Allow rapid communication between cells by permitting small molecules and ions to pass through interlocking transmembrane proteins called connexons.
  • How do tight junctions contribute to epithelial integrity?
    They form a seal between adjacent plasma membranes, preventing passage of water, solutes, enzymes, acids, and wastes between cells.
  • What is the role of desmosomes in epithelial tissue?
    They tie cells together, allowing bending and twisting without damage, and hemidesmosomes attach cells to the basement membrane.
  • How are epithelia classified based on cell shape?
    Squamous (thin and flat), Cuboidal (square-shaped), and Columnar (tall, slender rectangles).
  • How are epithelia classified based on layers?
    Simple epithelium (single cell layer) and Stratified epithelium (multiple cell layers).
  • What are the functions of simple squamous epithelium?
    Absorption, diffusion, reducing friction, and controlling vessel permeability.
  • Where is stratified squamous epithelium found and what is its function?
    Found on skin surface and lining of mouth, throat, esophagus, rectum, anus, and vagina; provides protection against abrasion, pathogens, and chemical attack.
  • What distinguishes transitional epithelium?
    It tolerates repeated stretching cycles without damage and changes appearance when stretched; found in urinary bladder.
  • What are the two main types of glands formed by epithelial tissue?
    Endocrine glands (release hormones into bloodstream, no ducts) and Exocrine glands (produce secretions through ducts onto epithelial surfaces).
  • Describe the three methods of exocrine gland secretion.
    Merocrine: secretion via exocytosis; Apocrine: secretion by shedding cytoplasm; Holocrine: secretion by cell bursting and death.
  • What are the three main categories of connective tissue?
    Connective tissue proper (connect and protect), Fluid connective tissues (transport), and Supporting connective tissues (structural strength).
  • What are the main components of connective tissue matrix?
    Extracellular protein fibers and ground substance (fluid), which determine the tissue's specialized function.
  • Name the three types of connective tissue fibers.
    Collagen fibers (strong, resist force in one direction), Reticular fibers (form flexible networks), and Elastic fibers (branched, return to original length after stretching).
  • What are the functions of areolar connective tissue?
    Cushions organs, provides support but permits movement, and contains phagocytic cells for defense.
  • What distinguishes dense regular connective tissue?
    Tightly packed, parallel collagen fibers providing firm attachment, conducting muscle pull, and stabilizing bones and organs.
  • What are the three types of muscle tissue?
    Skeletal muscle (voluntary, striated), Cardiac muscle (involuntary, striated, with intercalated discs), and Smooth muscle (involuntary, nonstriated).
  • What are the main functions of nervous tissue?
    Conduct electrical impulses, process information, and coordinate body functions.
  • What are the two main cell types in nervous tissue?
    Neurons (conduct impulses) and Neuroglia (supporting cells that maintain tissue structure, repair, and regulate interstitial fluid).
  • What are the two stages of tissue response to injury?
    Inflammation (inflammatory response) and Regeneration (restoration of normal function).
  • What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
    Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function.
  • How does aging affect tissue regeneration?
    Regeneration slows due to reduced repair activities, hormonal changes, and decreased physical activity, leading to thinner epithelia, fragile connective tissues, and brittle bones.