Comprehensive Anatomy and Cell Biology Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering bone, cartilage, cell biology, connective tissue, epithelial tissue, and the integumentary system based on lecture study guides.

Articular Cartilage

Avascular cartilage covering the epiphysis of long bones that reduces friction at joints and receives nutrients via diffusion from synovial fluid.

Osteon

The fundamental microscopic structural unit of compact bone consisting of concentric lamellae surrounding a central canal.

Canaliculi

Tiny interconnecting channels in bone matrix that connect lacunae to the central canal, permitting intercellular contact and communication.

Perforating Canals

Canals in compact bone that run perpendicular to central canals, containing blood vessels and nerves to connect central canals together.

Organic Bone Matrix

The organic portion of bone tissue (about 1/3) comprising cells, collagen fibers, and ground substance, which provides flexibility and tensile strength.

Inorganic Bone Matrix

The mineralized portion of bone matrix composed primarily of calcium hydroxide and calcium phosphate crystals, providing compressional strength.

Diaphysis

The central elongated shaft of a long bone that provides leverage and supports body weight.

Trabeculae

Bony plates found within spongy bone that form a structural framework around empty spaces.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells responsible for synthesized formation and creation of new bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells responsible for resorbing and breaking down existing bone matrix.

Intramembranous Ossification

The process of bone formation and growth occurring directly within a membrane.

Endochondral Ossification

The process of bone formation and growth occurring within a precursor cartilage model.

Appositional Growth

Growth occurring along the outer boundary or periphery of cartilage or bone tissue.

Calcitonin

A hormone secreted in response to high blood calcium levels that deposits calcium into bone tissue and inhibits osteoclast activity.

Parathyroid Hormone

A hormone secreted in response to low blood calcium levels that stimulates osteoclast activity to resorb bone tissue and increase blood calcium levels.

Phospholipid Bilayer

The structural backbone of the plasma membrane consisting of two layers of phospholipids with hydrophilic heads facing outwards and hydrophobic tails pointing inward.

Active Transport

The energy-requiring movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient from low to high concentration using ATP.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a membrane down their concentration gradient from high to low concentration without requiring extra ATP energy.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration outside the cell than inside, causing water to leave the cell and resulting in crenation.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration outside the cell than inside, causing water to enter the cell and resulting in cell lysis.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where chromosomes condense into visible chromatids, centrioles migrate, spindle fibers assemble, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Anaphase

The mitotic phase where centromeres are pulled apart and sister chromatids separate into individual chromosomes migrating to opposite ends of the cell.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cell cytoplasm into two separate cells, marked by the formation of a cleavage furrow.

Matrix

The non-cellular material of a tissue consisting of ground substance and protein fibers.

Fibroblasts

Resident connective tissue cells that synthesize and produce the protein fibers of the extracellular matrix.

Collagen Fibers

Long, unbranching, highly flexible, and strong protein fibers that resist stretching and constitute 25% of all body protein.

Reticular Fibers

Thin, branching protein fibers that form a supportive, woven stroma framework in organs like the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Areolar Connective Tissue

A vascular, loose connective tissue containing fibroblasts with loosely arranged collagen and elastic fibers that packs around and binds organs.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

A poorly vascularized connective tissue containing parallel collagen fibers designed to withstand tensile strength primarily in a single direction.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

A connective tissue containing randomly oriented collagen fibers that provides tensile strength in multiple directions.

Fibrocartilage

The strongest and most durable type of cartilage containing thick collagen fibers, found in intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, and knee menisci.

Epithelial Tissue

A highly cellular, avascular, innervated, and regenerative tissue with polarity that covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.

Apical Surface

The exposed top surface of an epithelial cell that borders the external environment or an internal body space.

Microvilli

Small hair-like projections on the apical surface of epithelial cells that function to increase surface area for absorption.

Cilia

Motile hair-like extensions on the apical epithelial surface that function to move materials along the cell surface.

Goblet Cell

A unicellular exocrine gland that synthesizes and secretes mucin.

Holocrine Secretion

A mode of exocrine secretion where the entire cell accumulates product and disintegrates completely during secretion.

Stratum Basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis containing actively dividing cells that proliferate to replace shed surface cells.

Melanocytes

Epidermal cells that produce melanin to protect against ultraviolet damage and contribute to skin tone.

Papillary Layer

The superficial layer of the dermis composed of areolar connective tissue that houses dermal papillae, regulates temperature, and supplies nutrients to the epidermis.

Reticular Layer

The deep layer of the dermis composed of dense irregular connective tissue that strengthens the skin and supports accessory structures.

Arrector Pili

Smooth muscles attached to hair follicles that contract in response to cold temperatures or emotional stimuli, producing goose bumps.

ABCDE Rule

A diagnostic guide for assessing moles for potential melanoma based on Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter, and Elevation or Evolution.