Connective Tissue and Glandular Functions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to connective tissue, epithelial tissue, glandular functions, and repair mechanisms.

Connective Tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs of the body.

Epithelial Tissue

A tissue that serves as a protective covering of the body and lines the cavities and organs.

Muscle Tissue

A tissue responsible for movement in the body, categorized as smooth, cardiac, or skeletal.

Nervous Tissue

A type of tissue that makes up the nervous system, composed of neurons and supporting cells.

Hyaline Cartilage

A type of cartilage that is found in areas like the nose and ribs, providing support and flexibility.

Elastic Cartilage

A type of cartilage that is more flexible than hyaline cartilage, found in structures like the outer ear.

Fibrocartilage

A tough type of cartilage found in intervertebral discs and joint capsules, providing strength and support.

Collagen

A protein that provides strength and structure to connective tissues.

Adipose Tissue

A type of connective tissue that stores fat and provides insulation and protection.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that has collagen fibers arranged in parallel, providing strength in one direction.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that provides strength in multiple directions, found in the dermis.

Lymph

A clear fluid that helps rid the body of toxins and waste, and is part of the lymphatic system.

Blood

A connective tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.

Osseous Tissue

Bone tissue, which provides structure and support to the body.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts to the surface of the skin or into cavities.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Merocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances via exocytosis without losing cellular material.

Apocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances by pinching off part of their cell.

Holocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their entire cell contents, leading to cell rupture.

Stromal Cells

Cells that provide structural support and nourishment to other cells.

Parenchymal Cells

Cells that perform the specialized functions of an organ.

Basement Membrane

A thin layer of fibrous material that separates epithelial tissue from underlying connective tissue.

Avascular

Tissue that lacks blood vessels and relies on diffusion for nutrient and waste exchange.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat cells, found in areas requiring diffusion.

Stratified Epithelium

A tissue composed of multiple layers of cells, providing protection.

Columnar Epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue composed of tall, column-like cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

A type of epithelium that appears layered due to varying cell heights but is actually a single layer.

Connective Tissue Proper

The main type of connective tissue that includes loose and dense variants.

Muscle Fiber

An elongated cell that makes up muscle tissue.

Tendons

Connective tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Ligaments

Connective tissues that connect bones to other bones.

Diffusion

The process by which substances move from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.

Nutrient Exchange

The process of transferring nutrients through tissues, often involving diffusion in avascular tissues.

Matrix

The non-living material that surrounds living cells in tissues.

Labile Cells

Cells that continuously undergo mitosis and are often replaced.

Stable Cells

Cells that do not regularly undergo mitosis but can divide in response to injury.

Permanent Cells

Cells that do not divide and cannot regenerate if damaged.

Dermis

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis, containing connective tissue.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin, composed mainly of epithelial tissue.

Inner lining of Cavities

Mucous membranes that line various cavities and openings.

Synovial Membrane

Membranes that line joint cavities and produce synovial fluid.

Regeneration

The ability of tissue to heal and regenerate after damage.

Maintenance

The ongoing process of preserving tissue structure and function.

Tissue Repair

The body's response to injury, involving processes to restore normal function.