Overview of Tissues – BIOL 121

' Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the tissue overview lecture, including definitions of tissue types, structural components, and specialized terminology.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and cell products working together to perform a specific role in an organ.

Histology ‘

The study of tissues and how they are arranged into organs (microscopic anatomy).

Organ

A structure with discrete boundaries that is composed of two or more tissue types.

Matrix (Extracellular Material)

Material surrounding cells, composed of fibrous proteins and ground substance.

Fibrous Proteins

Protein component of the matrix that provides structural support to tissues.

Ground Substance

Clear gel portion of the matrix, also called tissue fluid, extracellular fluid (ECF), interstitial fluid, or tissue gel.

Epithelial Tissue

Sheet of closely adhering cells, one or more cells thick, that covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms most glands; avascular but nourished by underlying connective tissue.

Connective Tissue

Diverse, abundant tissue type in which cells occupy less space than matrix; supports, connects, and protects organs; vascularity varies widely.

Nervous Tissue

Primary tissue specialized for rapid communication and control via electrical and chemical signals.

Muscular Tissue

Primary tissue specialized for contraction and movement of body parts.

Basement Membrane

Layer between an epithelium and the underlying connective tissue composed of collagen, glycoproteins, and other protein-carbohydrate complexes; anchors the epithelium.

Basal Surface

Surface of an epithelial cell that faces the basement membrane.

Apical Surface

Surface of an epithelial cell that faces away from the basement membrane toward the environment or lumen.

Simple Epithelium

Epithelium with one layer of cells; all cells touch the basement membrane and are named by cell shape.

Stratified Epithelium

Epithelium with two or more layers of cells; cells are named by the shape of the apical layer, and not all cells touch the basement membrane.

Avascular

Lacking blood vessels; relies on diffusion from nearby tissues for nutrients (characteristic of epithelia).

High Mitotic Rate

Property of epithelial cells that allows rapid regeneration and repair.

Loose Connective Tissue

Type of connective tissue with many blood vessels and loosely arranged fibers in abundant ground substance.

Cartilage

Connective tissue with few or no blood vessels, making it relatively avascular compared to other connective tissues.

Primary Tissue Classes

The four broad categories of tissues: epithelial, connective, nervous, and muscular.