Epithelial and Connective Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key definitions, structural features, functions, and locations of epithelial and connective tissue types from the lecture notes.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue made up of cells tightly packed together to make a continuous sheet, attached to a basement membrane which attaches it to the tissue below.

Simple epithelium

A single layer of cells (very thin, one cell thick) lining the walls of hollow organs, blood capillaries, and gland ducts that allows substances to pass through diffusion.

Compound epithelium

Tissue made of multiple layers of cells that protects structure and prevents unwanted materials from entering body tissues.

Basement membrane

The structure to which all epithelial cells are attached, securing the epithelium to the tissue below.

Simple squamous epithelium

Epithelium consisting of one layer of very thin flat cells with a flattened nucleus packed together to make a sheet; functions in rapid diffusion, filtration, and osmosis in alveoli in lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, and linings of body cavities.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Epithelium consisting of one layer of cube shaped cells with a central round nucleus; functions in secretion and absorption in salivary glands, surface of ovaries, and ducts of many glands.

Simple columnar epithelium

Epithelium consisting of one layer of tall column shaped cells with the nucleus located at the base, which may contain goblet cells; functions in absorption, secretion of mucus, and protection of underlying tissues in stomach lining, intestines, and gall bladder.

Simple ciliated columnar epithelium

Epithelium consisting of one layer of columnar cells with added cilia on the surface and goblet cells; cilia beat rhythmically to move substances along the surface, secrete mucus, and transport materials in the respiratory system and fallopian tube.

Non-keratinised compound epithelium

Compound epithelium consisting of multiple layers with no keratin layer where the outer layer may be worn away, providing protection from abrasion.

Keratinised compound epithelium

Compound epithelium in which the outer layers are dead and flattened to waterproof the skin, providing a protective outer layer for strength and durability.

Connective tissue

Tissue made of cells embedded in extracellular matrix that acts as a scaffolding to hold everything together in the body; consists of 5 types: blood, bone, cartilage, areolar, and adipose.

Blood

A type of connective tissue with a liquid matrix called plasma, containing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Red blood cells

Cells in blood that transport oxygen.

White blood cells

Cells in blood responsible for immune defence.

Platelets

Components of blood responsible for blood clotting.

Plasma

The liquid matrix of blood containing nutrients and hormones.

Bone

Connective tissue made of osteocytes with a hard solid matrix of calcium and collagen fibres that provides structural support and protection of delicate tissues and organs.

Osteocytes

Cells that make up bone tissue.

Cartilage

Connective tissue made of chondrocytes in a firm and flexible matrix called chondrin; protects the end of bones from friction during movement and forms structures such as the outer ear and end of the nose.

Chondrin

The firm and flexible material that forms the matrix of cartilage.

Chondrocytes

Cells that make up cartilage.

Areolar tissue

Connective tissue with a jelly-like matrix made of collagen and elastic fibres that holds muscles, nerves, and blood vessels together for flexible support.