Tissues and Integumentary System Unit Test Ultimate Study Guide

Epithelial tissue

Specialized cellular tissue that covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.

Connective tissue

Supportive tissue that integrates, protects, and cushions body structures.

Muscle tissue

Contractile tissue designed for movement and mechanical force generation.

Nervous tissue

Excitable tissue specialized for rapid communication and electrochemical signal transmission.

Function of Epithelial Tissue: Protection

Shields underlying tissues from mechanical damage, abrasion, and environmental hazards.

Function of Epithelial Tissue: Absorption

Facilitates the uptake of essential molecules, nutrients, and fluids.

Function of Epithelial Tissue: Secretion

Synthesizes and releases distinct biochemical products into cavities or surfaces.

Function of Epithelial Tissue: Transcellular transport

Regulates and drives the selective passage of substances across cellular barriers.

Function of Epithelial Tissue: Sensation

Detects environmental stimuli from external surroundings and internal physiological environments.

Simple Epithelium

A single cell layer spanning from the basal surface to the apical lumen.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple distinct cell layers stacked on top of one another.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Appears multi-layered due to varying nuclear heights but consists of a single layer of cells.

Squamous Cells

Flattened, scale-like cells with flattened nuclei.

Cuboidal Cells

Box-like, cube-shaped cells with central, spherical nuclei.

Columnar Cells

Tall, column-shaped cells with elongated nuclei positioned near the base.

Endothelium

A single layer of simple squamous cells lining heart chambers and blood vessels.

Mesothelium

Simple squamous epithelium that forms the surface of serous membranes.

Transitional Epithelium

Specialized stratified epithelium that can change shape to accommodate organ stretching.

Merocrine Glands

Glands that discharge their secretory vesicles intact via cellular exocytosis.

Holocrine Glands

Glands that release their secretory products when the entire cell ruptures and lyses.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue dominated by fat storage cells termed adipocytes.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most abundant cartilage, smooth and provides articular cartilage over joints.

Erythema

Abnormal redness of the skin due to capillary dilation.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin due to the accumulation of bilirubin.

Melanin

Biological pigment manufactured inside the skin that protects against UV radiation.

Dermal Papillae

Peg-like projections from the dermis that indent the overlying epidermis.

Stratum Basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis composed of actively dividing stem cells.

Keratinocytes

Predominant cell type in the epidermis that produces the protein keratin.

Dendric

Immune cells in the epidermis serving as primary sensors for adaptive immune responses.

Tactile Cells (Merkel Cells)

Specialized sensory cells located at the epidermal-dermal junction for light touch.

Arrector Pili Muscle

Smooth muscle attached to hair follicles that causes goosebumps.

Eccrine Glands

Sweat glands abundant in palms, soles, and forehead that secrete watery sweat.

Ceruminous Glands

Modified apocrine glands that produce ear wax in the ear canal.

Striae (Stretch Marks)

Visible scars from extreme stretching of the skin.