Tissues—Cells and Tissues (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key tissue concepts from the lecture notes.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and proteins that are specialized for a particular function.

Epithelial tissue

Tissues that cover surfaces, line internal cavities, and form glandular secretions.

Connective tissue

Tissues that protect and support the body, bind organs, store fat, and provide immunity.

Muscular tissue

Tissues that generate the physical force needed to move body structures.

Nervous tissue

Tissues that detect changes and initiate/transmit nerve impulses to coordinate activities.

Covering and lining epithelium

Epithelial tissue that covers outer surfaces and lines body cavities, vessels, ducts, and organ interiors.

Glandular epithelium

Epithelium that forms secreting portions of glands.

Simple squamous epithelium

Single layer of flat cells; facilitates diffusion, osmosis, filtration and secretion.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

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

Simple columnar epithelium

Single layer of tall cells; functions in absorption/secretion (may be ciliated or nonciliated; may have microvilli).

Stratified squamous epithelium

Multiple cell layers; protects underlying tissues from abrasion and microorganisms.

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

Two or more layers; protects underlying tissues and may have secretion/absorption.

Stratified columnar epithelium

Rare tissue type; protects and secretes; found in areas of mechanical stress.

Endocrine glands

Glands whose secretions (hormones) enter the bloodstream without ducts.

Exocrine glands

Glands whose secretions enter ducts that open onto surfaces (e.g., mucus, sweat).

Basement membrane

Basal surface boundary to which epithelium attaches.

Avascular

Lacks blood vessels.

Innervation

Nerve supply to tissue.

Renewal by cell division

High capacity for regeneration of epithelial tissues through cell division.

Areolar connective tissue

Loose connective tissue with varied cells and fibers; provides support and elasticity.

Adipose tissue

Loose connective tissue dominated by adipocytes; stores fat for energy, insulation, and cushioning.

Reticular connective tissue

Loose connective tissue with reticular fibers that form supportive scaffolds.

Dense regular connective tissue

Dense connective tissue with collagen fibers aligned in one direction; provides strong tensile strength in that direction.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Dense connective tissue with collagen fibers arranged irregularly; provides strength in multiple directions.

Elastic connective tissue

Dense connective tissue rich in elastic fibers; allows stretch and recoil.

Hyaline cartilage

Cartilage with a smooth, glassy matrix; provides joint surfaces and supports; weakest type.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage with thick collagen fibers; acts as a shock absorber; very strong.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage with numerous elastic fibers; provides shape and resilience (e.g., ear, epiglottis).

Bone tissue (osseous tissue)

Rigid connective tissue that supports, protects, and stores minerals.

Spongy bone

Cancellous bone with a porous, lattice-like network.

Compact bone

Dense, solid bone tissue that provides strength.

Blood (blood tissue)

Liquid connective tissue with plasma as the matrix; red cells transport oxygen; white cells fight infection; platelets aid clotting.

Lymph

Fluid that circulates in lymphatic vessels; part of the immune system.

Fibroblasts

Cells that secrete the extracellular matrix of connective tissue.

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells that engulf pathogens and debris.

Plasma cells

Cells that secrete antibodies.

Mast cells

Cells that release histamine during inflammatory responses.

Adipocytes

Fat cells that store triglycerides for energy and cushioning.

Ground substance

Material between cells and fibers that supports cells and facilitates exchange; contains water and large molecules.

Extracellular matrix

Complex network of ground substance plus protein fibers that supports cells and tissues.

Collagen fibers

Strong, flexible fibers that provide tensile strength; found in bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Elastic fibers

Fibers that provide elasticity and resilience; found in skin, vessel walls, and lungs.

Reticular fibers

Fine fibers that provide supportive frameworks in many tissues.

Neurons

Nerve cells that generate and conduct impulses to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that protect and support neurons.

Ducts

Tubular structures through which exocrine secretions are released to surfaces.

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands into the bloodstream.