2. Tissues: Epithelial & Connective Tissue Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering epithelial and connective tissue concepts, tissues, injury and repair, and integumentary system details.

Epithelial tissue

Lining and covering tissue that lines surfaces of the body and organs.

Simple squamous

A single layer of flat cells; very thin to allow diffusion and gas exchange.

Alveoli

Air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse across a thin epithelial layer into the blood.

Simple cuboidal

Epithelium consisting of a single layer of cube-shaped cells; mainly for secretion and absorption.

Simple columnar

Epithelium consisting of a single layer of tall, column-like cells; also specialized for secretion and absorption.

Exocytosis

Process by which vesicles fuse with the cell membrane to release contents outside the cell.

Vesicles

Small membrane-bound sacs inside cells that transport or secrete substances.

Connective tissue

Tissue with cells, fibers (like collagen and elastin), and extracellular matrix that supports and binds other tissues.

Collagen

Fibrous protein providing tensile strength to connective tissue.

Elastin

Elastic protein fibers that allow tissues to stretch and recoil (e.g., in arteries and skin).

Reticular tissue

Supporting tissue made of reticular fibers that provides a framework for soft organs.

Regular (dense) connective tissue

Dense tissue with fibers aligned in the same direction; examples include ligaments and tendons.

Irregular connective tissue

Dense tissue with fibers in many directions; resists multi-directional forces (found in the dermis).

Elastic connective tissue

Dense connective tissue rich in elastic fibers; enables stretching and recoil (common in arteries).

Hyaline cartilage

Strong yet flexible cartilage with collagen fibers; cushions joints and supports structures like the ribs and nose; allows rib cage expansion.

Calcified collagen

Collagen matrix hardened with calcium minerals, as seen in bone tissue.��

Bone

Mineralized connective tissue with a calcified matrix that provides structure and support for the body.

Fibroblasts

Cells that synthesize and lay down connective tissue fibers during tissue repair and regeneration.

Inflammation

Localized response with increased fluids, redness, and warmth following injury.

Regeneration

Repair phase where new tissue and capillaries form; fibroblasts lay down temporary fibers.

Fibrosis

Replacement of tissue with fibrous connective tissue (scar tissue) that can constrict function.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to become various specialized cell types.

Differentiation

Process by which stem cells become specialized cell types.

Melanocytes

Pigment-producing cells; produce melanin and influence skin/hair color; distribution varies with UV exposure.

Tactile discs

Touch receptors that sense pressure and help detect contact.

Free nerve endings

Sensory nerve endings that detect pain, temperature, and crude touch.

Sebum

Oily secretion from sebaceous glands that lubricates hair and skin.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that secrete sebum onto hair follicles to keep hair lubricated.

Skin grafts

Transferring skin from one area to another to repair damaged skin.

Rule of nines

A method to estimate burn size by dividing the body into regions, with front and back counted separately.

Burn dehydration risk

Dehydration risk after burns due to loss of body fluids and water.

Burn infection risk

Increased risk of infection after burns because the skin barrier is compromised.