Anatomy and Physiology - Histology, Skeletal, Integumentary, and Tissue Systems

Vocabulary flashcards covering epithelial and connective tissue classifications, anatomical directional terms, skeletal system landmarks, integumentary system features, muscle types, and tissue repair principles.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues and how cells work together.

Epithelial Tissue

A primary tissue type that covers body surfaces, lines internal cavities and organs, and forms glands to protect, absorb, and secrete.

Classification of Epithelia

Epithelial tissues classified by shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar) and layer count (simple, stratified, pseudostratified).

Cilia

Long, hair-like projections made of microtubules that beat in coordinated waves to sweep fluids, mucus, or cells across the cell surface.

Microvilli

Tiny, static, finger-like folds of the cell membrane that form a brush border to maximize surface area for absorption and secretion.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells where every cell touches the basement membrane, optimized for absorption and filtration.

Stratified Epithelium

Tissue with two or more stacked cell layers where only the bottom layer touches the basement membrane, optimized for protection.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

A single layer of cells of varying heights with nuclei at different levels, creating the false appearance of multiple layers.

Exocrine Glands

Glands with ducts that secrete products onto an internal or external body surface or cavity (e.g., sweat or salivary glands).

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete chemical signals (hormones) directly into the bloodstream to act on distant target organs.

Anatomy

The study of the physical structure, shape, size, location, and parts of an organism.

Physiology

The study of how anatomical body structures function and work together.

Sagittal Plane

An anatomical plane of reference that divides the body into left and right portions.

Median Plane

An anatomical plane of reference that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Transverse Plane

An anatomical plane of reference that divides the body into cranial and caudal (front and back) portions.

Dorsal Plane

An anatomical plane of reference that divides the body into dorsal (top) and ventral (bottom) portions.

Rostral

An anatomical directional term meaning toward the nose or front of the head.

Palmar Surface

The ground-contact bottom surface of the front leg or foot of an animal.

Plantar Surface

The ground-contact bottom surface of the hind leg or foot of an animal.

Homeostasis

The state of maintaining a stable, dynamic internal environment despite changes in outside conditions.

Osteoblasts

Bone cells that build new bone tissue.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain existing bone tissue matrix.

Osteoclasts

Bone cells responsible for breaking down and resorbing bone tissue.

Endochondral Ossification

The primary developmental mechanism by which most bones develop from an initial cartilage model before birth.

Epiphyseal Plate

An area of cartilage located between the epiphysis and diaphysis of a growing long bone that enables bone lengthening.

Haversian Canal

A central channel running lengthwise through compact bone containing blood vessels and nerves.

Volkmann's Canal

Channels in compact bone running perpendicular to Haversian canals, connecting them to blood vessels and nerves on the bone surface.

Atlas (C1)

The first cervical vertebra that supports the skull and allows up-and-down head movements.

Axis (C2)

The second cervical vertebra containing the dens (odontoid process) that allows rotation of the head.

Manubrium

The cranial portion of the sternum where the first ribs attach.

Xiphoid Process

The caudal end of the sternum that serves as an attachment point for muscles and xiphoid cartilage.

Olecranon Process

A prominent structure on the ulna forming the point of the elbow and serving as the attachment site for the triceps muscle.

Cannon Bone

The common anatomical name for metacarpal III (front limb) or metatarsal III (hind limb) in horses.

Patella

The largest sesamoid bone in the body, commonly known as the kneecap.

Keratinization

The process in which epidermal cells produce keratin, harden, and die to form a protective, waterproof barrier.

Anagen Phase

The active growth stage of the hair growth cycle.

Catagen Phase

The transition stage of the hair growth cycle during which growth ceases.

Telogen Phase

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle prior to old hair shedding.

Corium

The highly vascular layer of tissue located beneath structures such as hooves or claws, providing essential blood supply and nutrients.

Laminitis

An inflammatory condition of the equine hoof laminae/corium that damages the connection between the hoof wall and coffin bone.

Epithelial Tissue vs. Connective Tissue

A structural comparison contrasting cell density, blood supply, cell polarity, location, and primary role between epithelia and connective tissue.

Connective Tissue Proper vs. Specialized Connective Tissue

A structural comparison detailing matrix physical state, primary cell types, primary roles, and vascularity differences.

White Fat

Unilocular adipose tissue containing a single large lipid droplet per cell, functions in energy storage, cushioning, and insulation.

Brown Fat

Multilocular adipose tissue containing multiple small lipid droplets and abundant mitochondria, specialized for heat generation via non-shivering thermogenesis.

Types of Cartilage

A comparison of hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage detailing dominant fiber types, functional roles, and perichondrium presence.

Effusion

The abnormal accumulation of excess fluid within a serous cavity.

Ascites

An effusion characterized by excess fluid accumulation within the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen.

Synovial Membrane

Pure connective tissue membranes lacking an epithelial layer and basement membrane, lining joint cavities to secrete lubricating fluid.

Skeletal Muscle vs. Cardiac Muscle vs. Smooth Muscle

A comparison matrix evaluating muscle tissue types across striations, cell shape, nuclei count/location, nervous control, special structures, and body location.

Granulation Tissue

Highly vascular, pink connective tissue consisting of new capillaries, active fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells formed during wound repair.

First Intention Repair

Healing of clean, closely apposed surgical incisions or minor cuts with minimal tissue loss, minimal granulation tissue, and thin scar formation.

Second Intention Repair

Healing of open or severe wounds with significant tissue loss requiring extensive granulation tissue formation from the bottom up and wound contraction.

Third Intention Repair

Delayed primary closure where a contaminated open wound is allowed to drain and granulate before surgical suturing.