Microscopy, Histology, and Integumentary System Essentials

Vocabulary flashcards covering microscope components, cell structure, epithelial and connective tissues, nervous and muscle tissues, and layers of the skin.

Ocular Lens

The eyepiece you look through on a microscope; typically provides 10× magnification.

Revolving Nosepiece

Rotating part of the microscope that holds and switches the objective lenses.

Total Magnification

Product of the ocular-lens magnification and the objective-lens magnification.

Coarse Focus Knob

Large adjustment knob that brings the specimen into rough focus.

Fine Focus Knob

Smaller knob that sharpens the image for precise focus.

Nucleus

Organelle that houses cellular DNA and functions as the cell’s control center.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like intracellular fluid in which organelles are suspended.

Plasma Membrane

Selective outer boundary of a cell that regulates entry and exit of substances.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flat cells found in areas of diffusion such as alveoli and capillaries.

Lumen

The hollow interior space of a tubular structure, e.g., an intestine or blood vessel.

Goblet Cell

Unicellular gland that secretes mucus into epithelial linings.

Microvilli

Microscopic projections on cell surfaces that increase surface area for absorption.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears layered but all cells contact the basement membrane.

Fibroblast

Connective-tissue cell that produces fibers and extracellular matrix.

Adipocyte

Fat cell that stores energy in the form of lipids.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Tissue rich in parallel collagen fibers, providing strong tensile strength.

Collagen Fiber

Thick, strong protein fiber that imparts tensile strength to connective tissues.

Lacuna

Small cavity in cartilage or bone housing a chondrocyte or osteocyte.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common cartilage type; provides support with some flexibility.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage containing elastic fibers; maintains shape while allowing flexibility.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage with abundant collagen fibers; resists compression and absorbs shock.

Neuron

Excitable cell specialized for transmitting nerve impulses.

Glial Cell

Supporting cell of nervous tissue that nourishes and protects neurons.

Neuron Process

Projection from a neuron, either an axon or a dendrite.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary, striated muscle composed of multinucleated fibers.

Intercalated Disc

Specialized junction connecting cardiac muscle cells for synchronized contraction.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle lacking striations, found in walls of hollow organs.

Stratum Corneum

Outermost epidermal layer composed of dead, keratinized cells.

Stratum Lucidum

Thin, clear layer of epidermis present in thick skin (palms, soles).

Stratum Granulosum

Epidermal layer where keratinization begins; cells contain dark granules.

Stratum Spinosum

Epidermal layer with spiny-appearing cells connected by desmosomes.

Stratum Basale

Deepest epidermal layer; site of mitotic cell division.

Papillary Layer (Dermis)

Superficial dermal layer composed of areolar connective tissue.

Reticular Layer (Dermis)

Deeper dermal region made of dense irregular connective tissue.

Hypodermis

Subcutaneous layer mainly of adipose and areolar tissue anchoring skin to underlying structures.