Human Tissue Types Flashcards

Flashcards covering the topic of tissues found in the human body.

TisEpithelial sue

Widespread throughout the body, covers organs, and lines body surfaces.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of thin, flattened cells; functions in gas exchange in the lungs and lines blood and lymph vessels.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells; functions in secretion and absorption in kidneys and secretion in glands.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Row of elongated cells with nuclei near the basement membrane; lines uterus, stomach, and intestines for protection, secretion, and absorption.

Microvilli

Increase surface area available for absorption in the intestine.

Goblet Cells

Mucus-secreting cells.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears layered but is not; cilia may be present along with goblet cells to sweep debris from respiratory tubes.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Layers of flattened cells designed to protect underlying layers; makes up outer layer of skin and lines mouth, throat, vagina, and anal canal.

Keratinization

Occurs on the outer layers of skin.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Two to three layers of cuboidal cells; lining mammary glands, sweat glands, salivary glands and pancreas.

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Several layers of cells; found in vas deferens, part of the male urethra, and parts of the pharynx.

Transitional Epithelium

Designed to distend and return to normal size, as in the lining of the urinary bladder.

Glandular Epithelium

Cells designed to produce and secrete substances into ducts or body fluids.

Exocrine Glands

Secrete products into ducts.

Endocrine Glands

Secrete into body fluids and blood.

Merocrine Glands

Release fluid products by exocytosis (pancreas)

Apocrine Glands

Lose portions of their cell bodies during secretion (mammary glands).

Holocrine Glands

Release entire cells (sebaceous glands).

Connective Tissues

Bind, support, protect, serve as frameworks, fill spaces, store fat, produce blood cells, protect against infection, and repair tissue damage.

Fibroblast

Most common cell type in connective tissues; secretes fibers.

Macrophages

Function as scavenger cells and defend against infection.

Mast Cells

Release heparin (anticoagulant) and histamine (promotes inflammation).

Collagenous Fibers

Strong, made of the protein collagen, add strength for holding body parts together.

Elastic Fibers

Made of the protein elastin, are stretchy and add flexibility.

Reticular Fibers

Thin collagenous fibers that form supportive networks.

Loose Connective (Areolar) Tissue

Forms delicate, thin membranes throughout the body that bind body parts together.

Adipose Tissue

Loose connective tissue designed to store fat.

Dense Connective Tissue

Densely packed collagenous fibers; very strong but lacks a good blood supply; found in tendons and ligaments.

Cartilage

Rigid connective tissue that provides a supportive framework; lacks a vascular system.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common; white with abundant fine collagen fibers; found at the ends of bones and supports respiratory passages.

Elastic Cartilage

With elastic fibers; provides a framework for the external ears and parts of the larynx.

Fibrocartilage

With many collagenous fibers; tough tissue that provides a shock-absorbing function in intervertebral disks, knees, and pelvic girdle.

Bone

Rigid connective tissue with deposits of mineral salts and collagen; supports, protects, and forms muscle attachments.

Osteocytes

Bone cells

Blood

Cells (red and white) suspended in a liquid matrix called plasma; functions to transport substances.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Attached to bone and controlled by conscious effort (voluntary); cells are long, cylindrical, striated, and have many nuclei.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Lacks striations, is uni-nucleate, and consists of spindle-shaped cells; involuntary; found in walls of internal organs.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Found only in the heart; branching fibers connected with intercalated disks; involuntary muscle with a single nucleus that appears striated.

Nervous Tissues

Found in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Neurons

Nerve cells; conduct nervous impulses.

Neuroglia

Helper cells; support and nourish neurons.

Serous Membranes

Line body cavities that lack openings to the outside; made up of epithelium and loose connective tissue and secrete serous fluid that acts as a lubricant.

Mucous Membranes

Line cavities and openings that lead to the outside of the body, including the oral and nasal cavities consisting of epithelium and connective tissue with specialized cells that secrete mucus

Synovial Membranes

Line the joint cavities, these membranes consist of only connective tissues, and they secrete lubricating synovial fluid.

Cutaneous Membrane

Consists of the skin (also called the integument).