Tissues, Integumentary Structures, and Histology

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering types of epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues, skin pigmentation adaptations, and related skin conditions.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers, lines organs, and protects; found in the skin and digestive tract.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, connects, protects, and binds; found in bone, blood, fat, and tendons.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that contracts to produce movement; attached to bones and found in the heart.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that sends electrical signals, processes, transmits, and communicates; found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Simple Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of a single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of multiple layers of cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue having one layer of cells that looks like multiple layers.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelial tissue consisting of multiple layers of cells that change shape when stretched; found in the urinary bladder.

Squamous Cells

Flat, thin epithelial cells.

Cuboidal Cells

Cube-shaped epithelial cells.

Columnar Cells

Tall, rectangular epithelial cells.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

One layer of flat cells responsible for diffusion and filtration; found in the air sacs of the lungs.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

One layer of cube-shaped cells responsible for secretion and absorption; found in kidney tubules and small glands.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

One layer of tall cells responsible for absorption and secretion; found in the digestive tract.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

One layer of tall cells that functions to secret and move mucus; located in the trachea and tubes of the reproductive system.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multi-layered epithelial tissue specialized for protection; lines body cavities, skin, and mouth.

Cilia

Hairlike structures on cells that move substances.

Microvilli

Finger-like cellular projections that absorb substances.

Basement Membrane

Thin layer directly beneath epithelial tissue that anchors and separates it from underlying connective tissue, facilitating diffusion.

Connective Tissue Matrix

Material surrounding cells that supports them and allows substances to move through.

Collagen Fibers

Connective tissue fibers that resist pulling forces.

Elastic Fibers

Connective tissue fibers that allow tissues to keep their shape.

Fibroblasts

Cells in connective tissue that produce fibers and ground substance.

Macrophages

Cells in connective tissue that engulf pathogens.

Mast Cells

Connective tissue cells involved in inflammation and allergy response.

Loose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue with loose fibers that cushions and supports; found beneath epithelial tissue.

Dense Connective Tissue

Connective tissue with dense fibers providing strength and resisting pulling; found in tendons and ligaments.

Adipose Tissue

Tissue with large empty-bubble appearance that stores fat and energy, insulates, cushions, and protects; found beneath skin and around organs.

Hyaline Cartilage

Cartilage type that provides smooth support.

Elastic Cartilage

Flexible type of cartilage.

Fibrocartilage

Strong cartilage that provides cushioning.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue with long, striated fibers attached to bones that produces body movement.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue with branched, striated cells located in the heart wall that pumps blood.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue with spindle-shaped, non-striated cells found in organs and blood vessels that moves substances through organs.

Neurons

Signaling cells of nervous tissue that process and transmit signals; found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells of nervous tissue that protect and support neurons.

Melanin

Skin pigment whose quantity determines skin color; an adaptation via natural selection where dark skin protects against high UV damage and lighter skin aids vitamin D production in low UV environments.

Melanocytes

Cells located in the epidermis that produce melanin.

Epidermolysis Bullosa

A genetic condition caused by changes affecting the proteins that connect and support the epidermis, basement membrane, and underlying connective tissue, making skin fragile and prone to blistering.