Tissues, Injury, Repair

Tissues

Tissues

Groups of similarly specialized cells that work together to perform a similar function.

Biopsy

The removal of living tissue for microscopic examination.

Connective tissue

Tissue that protects, supports, and binds organs; stores energy as fat and provides immunity.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that detects changes in the body and responds by generating nerve impulses.

Mesoderm

One of the three primary germ layers from which the tissues of the body develop.

Tight junctions

Intercellular junctions that seal plasma membranes together and prevent materials from moving between cells.

Adherens junctions

Intercellular junctions that connect the cytoskeletons of adjacent cells together.

Desmosomes

Spot welds that connect the cytoskeletons of adjacent cells together.

Hemidesmosomes

Spot welds that connect the cytoskeletons of a cell to the extracellular matrix.

Gap junctions

Intercellular junctions that allow direct communication between cells by allowing molecules, ions, and electrical impulses to pass through.

Connective tissue

The most abundant and widely distributed tissue in the body that performs numerous functions.

Extracellular matrix

Non-living material that separates cells in connective tissue and is composed of ground substance and fibers.

Fibroblasts

Mitotically active secretory cells that secrete protein fibers in connective tissue.

Chondroblasts

Cells that lay down cartilage in connective tissue.

Osteoblasts

Cells that lay down bone in connective tissue.

Adipocytes

Fat cells found in connective tissue.

Areolar connective tissue

Loose connective tissue that wraps and cushions organs and soaks up excess fluid.

Adipose tissue

Loose connective tissue with lots of adipocytes that functions to insulate, support, protect, and act as an energy reserve.

Reticular connective tissue

Delicate network of interlacing reticular fibers and cells that forms a scaffolding used by cells of lymphoid tissues.

Mucosa

The epithelial lining of a body cavity or organ.

Monocyte

A type of white blood cell involved in immune responses.

Apical surface

The free surface of epithelial tissues

Columnar

Cell shape of epithelial tissues that are column-like

Transitional epithelium

Epithelial tissue found in the urinary system that allows hollow structures to expand without causing damage to tissues.

Stratified epithelial tissues

More than one layer of cells that provide protection and can be found in various tissue types.

Basement membrane

A layer of connective tissue that anchors epithelial tissues to underlying structures.

Glandular epithelia

Epithelial tissues that consist of glands, which can be endocrine or exocrine, and can be unicellular or multicellular.

Skeletal muscle

A type of muscle tissue that contracts to pull on bones or skin, and is under voluntary control.

Nervous tissue

Composed of neurons and nerve support cells, responsible for sending impulses to other areas of the body, and supporting and protecting neurons.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that detects changes in the body and responds by generating nerve impulses.

Fibroblasts

Cells that carry out fibrosis and repair tissue damage by making collagen and forming scar tissue.

Mesenchymal cells

Multipotent adult stem cells found in bone marrow and periosteum that can differentiate into any type of connective tissue cells needed for regeneration.

Haematopoietic stem cells

Stem cells found in bone marrow that make blood cells.

Satellite cells

Stem cells found in skeletal muscle that divide and fuse with existing muscle fibers to regenerate and repair damaged muscle.

Pericytes

Stem cells found in some blood vessels that regenerate and repair smooth muscle.

Gliosis

Formation of scar tissue composed of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) as a response to damage.

Haemostasis

The stoppage of bleeding resulting from a break in a blood vessel, involving vascular spasms, platelet plug formation, and coagulation (blood clotting).

Vascular spasms

Vasoconstriction of blood vessels to decrease blood loss.

Coagulation

Transformation of blood from a liquid to a gel, involving the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and the formation of fibrin, which traps red blood cells and forms a blood clot.

Fibrinolysis

Breakdown of the blood clot after tissue repair.

Vascular spasm

Contraction of smooth muscle in blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction.

Platelet plug formation

Formation of a plug made of platelets at the site of injury to the lining of a blood vessel.

Epidermal wound healing

Wound healing that occurs following superficial wounds that affect only the epidermis.

Deep wound healing

Wound healing that occurs when an injury extends to the dermis and subcutaneous layer.