Open Stax - Chapter 4 (Anatomy & Physiology)

adipose tissue

specialized areolar tissue rich in stored fat.

apical

that part of a cell or tissue which, in general, faces an open space

areolar tissue

(also, loose connective tissue) a type of connective tissue proper that shows little specialization with cells dispersed in the matrix

basal lamina

thin extracellular layer that lies underneath epithelial cells and separates them from other tissues

basement membrane

in epithelial tissue, a thin layer of fibrous material that anchors the epithelial tissue to the underlying connective tissue; made up of the basal lamina and reticular lamina

collagen fiber

flexible fibrous proteins that give connective tissue tensile strength

connective tissue

These bind the cells and organs of the body together and functions in the protection, support, and integration.

dense connective tissue

connective tissue proper that contains many fibers that provide both elasticity and protection

elastic cartilage

type of cartilage, with elastin as the major protein, characterized by rigid support as well as elasticity

elastic fiber

fibrous protein within connective tissue that contains a high percentage of the protein elastin that allows the fibers to stretch and return to original size

epithelial tissue

These are the sheets of cells that cover exterior surfaces of the body, line internal cavities and passageways, and form certain glands.

Fibroblasts

most abundant cell type in connective tissue, secretes protein fibers and matrix into the extracellular space

Fibrocartilage

tough form of cartilage, made of thick bundles of collagen fibers embedded in chondroitin sulfate ground substance

fluid connective tissue

specialized cells that circulate in a watery fluid containing salts, nutrients, and dissolved proteins

ground substance

fluid or semi-fluid portion of the matrix

hyaline cartilage

most common type of cartilage, smooth and made of short collagen fibers embedded in a chondroitin sulfate ground substance

loose connective tissue

(also, areolar tissue) type of connective tissue proper that shows little specialization with cells dispersed in the matrix

matrix

extracellular material which is produced by the cells embedded in it, containing ground substance and fibers

pseudostratified columnar epithelium

tissue that consists of a single layer of irregularly shaped and sized cells that give the appearance of multiple layers; found in ducts of certain glands and the upper respiratory tract

reticular fiber

fine fibrous protein, made of collagen subunits, which cross-link to form supporting "nets" within connective tissue

reticular lamina

matrix containing collagen and elastin secreted by connective tissue; a component of the basement membrane

simple columnar epithelium

tissue that consists of a single layer of column-like cells; promotes secretion and absorption in tissues and organs

simple cuboidal epithelium

tissue that consists of a single layer of cube-shaped cells; promotes secretion and absorption in ducts and tubules

simple squamous epithelium

tissue that consists of a single layer of flat scale-like cells; promotes diffusion and filtration across surface

stratified columnar epithelium

tissue that consists of two or more layers of column-like cells, contains glands and is found in some ducts

stratified cuboidal epithelium

tissue that consists of two or more layers of cube-shaped cells, found in some duct

stratified squamous epithelium

tissue that consists of multiple layers of cells with the most apical being flat scale-like cells; protects surfaces from abrasion

supportive connective tissue

type of connective tissue that provides strength to the body and protects soft tissue

tissue

group of cells that are similar in form and perform related functions

transitional epithelium

form of stratified epithelium found in the urinary tract, characterized by an apical layer of cells that change shape in response to the presence of urine

simple

when cells rest on basal lamina

stratified

when only basal lamina rest on lamina