Histology Flashcards: Epithelial, Connective, Cartilage, Bone, and Blood Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms across epithelial and connective tissues, including cartilage, bone, and blood components from lecture pages 1–5.

Simple squamous epithelium

Single layer of flat cells; enables rapid diffusion/filtration; found where substances cross epithelium (e.g., alveoli in lungs, Bowman's capsule).

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells; functions in secretion and absorption; located in kidney tubules and liver.

Simple columnar epithelium

Single layer of tall, column-like cells with nuclei near the base; functions: secretion and absorption; location: digestive tract and uterus, contains goblet cells that produce mucus.

Goblet cell

Mucin-secreting gland cell in epithelium; produces mucus to protect and lubricate surfaces.

Microvilli

Microscopic projections on the apical surface of absorptive cells; increase surface area for absorption (brush border).

Basement membrane

Basal, shared layer between epithelium and underlying connective tissue; supports and anchors epithelial cells.

Areolar (loose) connective tissue

Loose connective tissue with all three fiber types; under epithelia; binds tissues and blood vessels; packaging glue between organs.

Adipose tissue

Connective tissue composed of adipocytes; stores fat; provides padding, insulation, and energy reserve; common around kidneys and eyeballs.

Collagenous fibers

Thick, strong fibers made of collagen; resist stretching; provide tensile strength and aid in tissue repair.

Elastic fibers

Elastic fibers made of elastin; confer elasticity and extensibility to tissues.

Reticular fibers

Fine collagenous fibers forming a supportive reticulum in organs.

Hyaline cartilage

Most common cartilage with a glassy matrix; provides support and reinforcement; found at ends of long bones, ends of ribs, and joints.

Chondrocyte

Mature cartilage cell residing in a lacuna; maintains cartilage matrix.

Bone tissue (osseous tissue)

Rigid connective tissue composed of osteocytes in lacunae, lamellae, and central canals; supports, protects, and stores minerals.

Osteocyte

Mature bone cell embedded in a lacuna; maintains bone matrix.

Lamella

Concentric rings of bone matrix around a central canal; part of compact bone structure.

Blood tissue

Connective tissue with plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets; transports nutrients, gases, and wastes.

Plasma

Fluid matrix of blood; carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

Neutrophil

Granulocytic white blood cell; phagocytoses bacteria; first responder to infection.

Dense regular connective tissue

Collagen fibers arranged parallel; fibroblasts aligned in rows; attaches muscles to bone or bones to bones; found in tendons and ligaments.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Collagen fibers arranged irregularly; fibers form dense, provides durable wrapping around organs; found in the dermis and around cartilage/bone.

Fibroblast

Cell that synthesizes collagen and other extracellular matrix components.

Dermis

Thick layer of skin beneath the epidermis; composed mainly of dense irregular connective tissue; provides structural strength and elasticity.

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

Single layer of cells of varying heights, giving the appearance of multiple layers; all cells attach to the basement membrane; typically ciliated and contains goblet cells; functions in secretion and propulsion of mucus; found in the trachea and most of the upper respiratory tract.

Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium (skin)

layers of flatten cells and has keratinocytes that produce keratin; function: resists mechanical stress; location: superficial skin

ground subtance

non-cellular material found in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue, consisting of fibers and various molecules, which supports and binds cells, and facilitates the exchange of nutrients and waste.