Lab 4: Tissues - Epithelial and Connective

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing epithelial and connective tissue cell types, structures, functions, locations, and microscopic histology identifiers from Lab 4.

Tissue

A group of cells found together in the body that share a common embryonic origin, share morphological features, and are arranged in an orderly pattern to achieve specific functions.

Epithelial Tissue

Sheets of cells that cover exterior surfaces of the body, line internal cavities, hollow organs, passageways, and ducts, and form certain glands.

Connective Tissue

A diverse category of tissue that binds cells and organs together, functioning in protection, support, integration, space-filling, tissue repair, fat storage, and defense against infection.

Squamous

An epithelial cell shape characterized by squashed or flattened cells.

Cuboidal

An epithelial cell shape characterized by cube-shaped cells with a large central nucleus.

Columnar

An epithelial cell shape characterized by long and rectangular cells with the nucleus located in the bottom 1/3 of the cell.

Simple Epithelium

An epithelial tissue layer organization that is one cell layer thick.

Stratified Epithelium

A multilayered epithelial tissue organization where only the bottom layer touches the basement membrane.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

An epithelial tissue organization that looks layered, but all cells touch the basement membrane; consists of a single layer of cells of varying heights.

Goblet Cells

Specialized mucous-producing cells found within certain epithelial tissue layers.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on the outer surface of certain epithelial cells that function in the movement of materials.

Microvilli

Finger-like projections on the outer surface of epithelial cells that function in absorption.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A thin single layer of disc-shaped cells found in the lung that functions in simple diffusion.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cube-like cells with a central nucleus found in the kidney that functions in secretion and absorption.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A column-shaped epithelial tissue found in the intestine containing specialized goblet cells and microvilli, functioning in absorption and secretion.

Pseudostratified Epithelium (Trachea)

A single layer of cells of varying heights found in the trachea that may contain goblet cells or cilia and functions in secretion and movement of materials by cilia.

Collagen Fibers

Thicker connective tissue fibers that are non-stretchy, sturdy, and flexible.

Elastic Fibers

Thin connective tissue fibers that are very stretchy and return to shape easily.

Reticular Fibers

Connective tissue fibers that serve as a framework for the structure of an organ.

Ground Substance

A matrix component primarily made of water and protein that forms the extracellular matrix alongside fibers.

Loose Connective Tissue (Areolar)

Connective tissue containing three fiber types in a gel-like matrix with fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, and some blood cells; functions to cushion and bind organs (located surrounding organs, blood vessels, nerves, and within skin).

Adipose Tissue

Fat tissue featuring a sparse matrix packed with adipocytes that have nuclei pushed to the side; functions to support and protect organs, provide insulation, produce hormones, and store fat.

Hyaline Cartilage

Cartilage tissue containing chondrocytes interspersed throughout a network of collagen fibers in a firm gel-like matrix; functions to support, protect, and provide a framework (located in articulating joints, nose, and respiratory tract).

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage tissue containing chondrocytes interspersed within threadlike elastic fibers in a firm gel-like matrix; provides strength and elasticity (located in the epiglottis and ear).

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue composed mainly of uniform collagen fibers running in the same direction, fibroblasts, and some elastic fibers; functions to bind body parts (located in tendons and ligaments).

Compact Bone

Connective tissue with a hard, calcified matrix containing osteocytes and collagen fibers; functions to protect, support, store minerals and fat, and serve as the location of blood cell formation.

Chondrocyte

A cartilage cell residing within a lacuna inside the extracellular matrix.

Fibroblast

A primary cell type found in connective tissue that secretes fibers and matrix components.

Adipocyte

A fat cell characterized by a large storage space that pushes the nucleus to the periphery of the cell.