Types of Tissues and their Functions

These flashcards cover key terms related to types of tissues, their characteristics, functions, and roles in biology, as derived from the lecture notes.

Epithelial Tissue

Sheets of cells that cover exterior surfaces, line internal cavities, and form certain glands.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that binds cells and organs together, providing protection, support, and integration.

Muscle Tissue

Excitable tissue responsible for movement, occurring as skeletal, smooth, or cardiac muscle.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that propagates electrochemical signals allowing communication between different body regions.

Totipotent

Cells that have the ability to divide, differentiate, and develop into any type of cell or organism.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer from which epithelial and nervous tissues primarily originate.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that gives rise to connective and muscle tissues.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that lines the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Synovial Membrane

A type of connective tissue membrane that lines joint cavities and produces synovial fluid.

Serous Membrane

Epithelial membrane that lines body cavities not open to the outside and secretes serous fluid.

Mucous Membrane

Epithelial membrane lining cavities that open to the external environment, producing mucus.

Basement Membrane

A thin layer separating epithelial tissue from underlying connective tissue, composed of basal and reticular lamina.

Ciliated Epithelium

Epithelium with cilia that helps move fluids and particles over its surface.

Transitional Epithelium

A specialized stratified epithelium that changes shape according to the state of distension, found in the urinary system.

Gland

A structure made up of one or more cells modified to synthesize and secrete chemical substances.

Endocrine Gland

A ductless gland releasing hormones into surrounding tissues and fluids.

Exocrine Gland

A gland that releases its secretions through ducts to the epithelial surface.

Merocrine Secretion

Exocrine secretion where products are released by exocytosis without damaging the cell.

Apocrine Secretion

A method of secretion where part of the cell pinches off to release its contents.

Holocrine Secretion

A type of secretion involving the rupture and destruction of the entire gland cell.

Fibroblast

The most abundant cell in connective tissue proper, responsible for producing the extracellular matrix.

Collagen Fiber

A strong, flexible fiber that provides structural support in connective tissues.

Elastic Fiber

A fiber that allows tissues to return to their original shape after stretching.

Chondrocyte

Cartilage cell embedded within the cartilage matrix.

Osteocyte

Bone cell located within lacunae of the bone matrix.

Inflammation

The initial response of the body to injury, involving vasodilation and increased blood flow.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs without initiating an inflammatory response.

Granulation Tissue

New tissue formed during wound healing that helps rebuild damaged tissue.

Senescence

The process of aging that affects the function of cells, tissues, and organs.