Anatomy & Physiology Unit 2: Cells & Tissues Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cell organelles, cell cycle phases, mitosis stages, tissue classifications, and integumentary layers based on Unit 2: Cells & Tissues.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in the human body; acts like a factory that manufactures products (proteins) according to genetic instructions from the nucleus.

Cell Membrane

The outer boundary of the cell that controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cytoplasm

The fluid-like material inside the cell where organelles are suspended.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A membranous organelle network that helps synthesize and transport proteins and lipids.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

Portion of the endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes that synthesizes and processes proteins.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

Portion of the endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and aids in detoxifying substances.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, packages, and ships proteins and lipids.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes that digest waste, damaged cell parts, and foreign materials.

Mitochondria

The powerhouses of the cell that produce ATP, the cell's usable energy.

Nucleus

The organelle that stores DNA and directs all cellular activities.

Nucleolus

A dense structure inside the nucleus that produces rRNA and assembles ribosome subunits.

Ribosome

A cellular organelle responsible for protein synthesis.

Cytoskeleton

An internal structural framework of fibers that supports cell shape, internal organization, and movement.

Centrioles

Structures found within centrosomes that help organize the mitotic spindle and separate chromosomes during cell division.

Centrosome

A cellular organelle that organizes microtubules and assists in forming the spindle apparatus during division.

Vesicles

Small fluid-filled, membrane-bound sacs or vacuoles that store or transport substances within or out of the cell.

Chromatin

The loose, uncoiled form of DNA and associated proteins found within the nucleus during interphase.

Chromosome

A condensed, tightly coiled DNA-protein structure that carries hereditary genetic information.

Chromatid

One of two identical copies of a replicated chromosome joined together before division.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical copies of a chromosome produced during DNA replication that separate during anaphase.

Spindle Fibers

Microtubule structures that attach to chromosomes and pull them apart during cell division.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell grows, performs metabolic functions, and replicates its DNA (including $G_2$).

Mitosis

The process of eukaryotic nuclear division consisting of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase (PMAT).

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis during which chromatin condenses into chromosomes and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

Prometaphase

The late stage of prophase during which the nuclear envelope breaks down and spindle fibers attach to chromosomes.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align along the equatorial plane (middle) of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and are pulled toward opposite cell poles.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where new nuclear envelopes assemble around each separated cluster of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The physical division of the cytoplasm following mitosis, resulting in two distinct daughter cells.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division caused by a breakdown in normal cell cycle regulation.

Epithelial Tissue

A primary tissue type that covers external body surfaces, lines internal cavities, and forms glands.

Connective Tissue

A primary tissue type that supports, binds, protects organs, stores energy, or transports materials.

Muscle Tissue

A primary tissue type composed of excitable, contractile cells that contract to produce bodily movement.

Nervous Tissue

A primary tissue type specialized to sense stimuli, process information, and transmit electrical signals.

Squamous Cells

Thin, flat epithelial cells shaped like scales or paving stones.

Cuboidal Cells

Cube-shaped epithelial cells that are roughly equal in width and height.

Columnar Cells

Tall, column-like epithelial cells that are taller than they are wide.

Simple Epithelium

An epithelial classification consisting of a single layer of cells extending from the basement membrane to the free surface.

Stratified Epithelium

An epithelial classification consisting of two or more stacked cell layers designed for protection against abrasion.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

An epithelial tissue that appears multilayered due to staggered nuclei, but in which all cells attach to the basement membrane.

Transitional Epithelium

A specialized stratified epithelium found in the urinary tract that stretches and changes shape as organs expand.

Areolar Connective Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that loosely binds tissues together and holds interstitial fluid.

Adipose Tissue

A type of connective tissue specialized for lipid/fat storage, thermal insulation, and mechanical cushioning.

Dense Connective Tissue

A strong, fiber-rich connective tissue that provides high tensile strength in structures like tendons and ligaments.

Cartilage

A flexible, avascular connective tissue that provides structural support and cushions joints.

Bone Tissue

A rigid, calcified connective tissue that supports the skeleton, protects vital organs, and stores minerals.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue consisting of cellular elements suspended in a liquid extracellular matrix called plasma.

Skeletal Muscle

A striated, typically voluntary muscle tissue attached to bones that moves the skeleton.

Cardiac Muscle

A striated, involuntary muscle tissue found exclusively in the wall of the heart.

Smooth Muscle

A nonstriated, involuntary muscle tissue found in the walls of hollow internal organs and blood vessels.

Neurons

Specialized nervous system cells capable of generating, receiving, and transmitting electrical nerve impulses.

Neuroglia

Non-conducting supportive cells of nervous tissue that protect, nourish, insulate, and maintain neurons.

Epidermis

The outermost, protective epithelial layer of the skin.

Dermis

The connective tissue layer directly beneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and glands.

Hypodermis

The subcutaneous layer beneath the dermis containing adipose and connective tissue that anchors, cushions, and insulates the skin.

Keratinocytes

The predominant cell type in the epidermis that synthesizes keratin to provide structural protection and water-resistance.

Melanocytes

Epidermal cells that synthesize melanin, a pigment that shields nuclear DNA from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Cell Organelle Diagram

Diagram of an animal cell identifying major organelles: 1. Centrioles, 2. Smooth ER, 3. Mitochondria, 4. Nuclear membrane, 5. Nucleolus, 6. Chromatin, 7. Vacuole/lysosome, 8. Rough ER, 9. Vesicles, 10. Golgi apparatus, and 11. Ribosomes.

Cell Cycle and Mitosis Stages

Visual sequence illustrating the progressive phases of cell division: Interphase ($G_2$), Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase & Cytokinesis.

Epithelial Tissue Classification

Morphological classification of epithelia shown by shape and layering: (a) simple squamous, (b) stratified squamous, (c) simple cuboidal, (d) stratified cuboidal, (e) simple columnar, (f) stratified columnar, and (g) pseudostratified columnar.