Lab Practical 1 Study Guide

Anatomical Terminology

Terms used to describe the locations and relationships of body parts.

Posterior

Toward the dorsal (back) side of the body.

Anterior

Toward the ventral (front) side of the body.

Inferior

Toward the tail or feet.

Superior

Toward the head.

Medial

Toward the median plane of the body.

Lateral

Away from the median plane.

Proximal

Toward the site of attachment.

Distal

Away from the site of attachment.

Intermediate

In between two structures.

Integumentary System

Composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands; functions in protection and thermoregulation.

Skeletal System

Composed of bones and ligaments; functions in support and movement.

Muscular System

Composed of skeletal muscles; functions in movement and heat production.

Lymphatic System

Composed of lymph nodes and vessels; functions in immune response and fluid recovery.

Endocrine System

Composed of glands; functions in hormone production and internal communication.

Circulatory System

Composed of the heart and blood vessels; functions in nutrient and waste distribution.

Respiratory System

Composed of lungs and airways; functions in gas exchange and speech.

Urinary System

Composed of kidneys and bladder; functions in waste elimination and fluid regulation.

Digestive System

Composed of organs like the stomach and intestines; functions in nutrient absorption.

Male Reproductive System

Composed of testes and ducts; functions in sperm production and hormone secretion.

Female Reproductive System

Composed of ovaries and uterus; functions in egg production and fetal development.

Microscopy

The technique used to create magnified images of small specimens.

Magnification

The increase in image size.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish detail in an image.

Contrast

The ability to distinguish objects from the background.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Pathology

The study of disease.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines hollow organs.

Apical Surface

The surface of an epithelial cell facing the lumen or external environment.

Basal Surface

The surface of an epithelial cell facing the basement membrane.

Basement Membrane

A non-cellular layer aiding in attachment of epithelial tissue.

Lumen

The central cavity within an organ.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat cells; functions in diffusion and filtration.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells; functions in absorption and secretion.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A single layer of tall cells; functions in absorption and secretion.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears stratified but is a single layer; functions in protection and secretion.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells; functions in protection from abrasion.

Transitional Epithelium

Changes shape based on organ volume; functions in accommodating volume changes.

Connective Tissue

A diverse group of tissues providing support and protection.

Ground Substance

Noncellular material produced by connective tissue.

Collagen Fibers

Strong fibers providing strength and flexibility to tissues.

Elastic Fibers

Fibers providing stretch to tissues.

Loose Connective Tissue

Tissue with abundant ground substance and few fibers; provides support.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Tissue with parallel collagen fibers; resists stress in one direction.

Cartilage

A supportive connective tissue with a gel-like matrix.

Hyaline Cartilage

Provides support and forms fetal skeleton; has a glassy matrix.

Fibrocartilage

Resists compression; acts as a shock absorber in joints.

Bone

A calcified connective tissue providing support and protection.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue involved in transport and immune response.

Nervous Tissue

Composed of neurons and glial cells; involved in signal transmission.

Neurons

Cells that receive and transmit nerve impulses.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue capable of contraction; allows for movement and heat generation.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle attached to bones; striated and multinucleate.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in the heart; striated and branched.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found in viscera; non-striated and fusiform.