Anatomy & Physiology Unit 2 Vocab

Histology

The study of tissues

Cells

The functional unit of life

Tissues

A group of specialized cells working together to perform a specific function

Plasma membrane

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

Cytoplasm

The fluid inside the cell that holds all organelles.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell; contains DNA

Ribosomes

Small structures that make proteins; Synthesize proteins

Endoplasmic reticulum - rough

Has ribosomes; helps make and transport proteins; synthesize proteins

Endoplasmic reticulum - smooth

No ribosomes; makes lipids and detoxifies chemicals; synthesizes lipids

Golgi body

Packages and ships proteins and other materials

Lysosomes

Break down waste and old cell parts

Mitochondria

ATP production

Cytoskeleton

Network of fibers that gives the cell shape and helps it move.

Peroxisomes

Break down fats and detoxify harmful substances.

Nucleus under microscope

Easily seen under a microscope because it stains dark blue / purple

Mitochondria under microscope

Pick stained cytoplasm

Rough ER / Ribosomes under microscope

Blue stained cytoplasm

Cytoskeleton element: Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures that move substances across the cell surface.

Cytoskeleton element: Microvilli

Tiny projections that increase surface area for absorption.

Lysosomes under microscope

Small, round or oval sacs or bubbles; give the cell granular appearance

Connective tissue

Supports, connects, or protects other tissues (e.g., bone, fat, blood)

Epithelial tissue

Covers surfaces and lines cavities (e.g., skin, lining of organs)

Muscular tissue

Allows movement (e.g., skeletal, heart, smooth muscle)

Nervous tissue

Sends electrical signals; controls body functions.

Function of the Epithelial tissue

Protects, absorbs, filters, and secretes.

Epithelial Apical

Top or exposed surface (facing outside or inside a cavity)

Epithelial basal

Bottom layer that connects to the tissue below.

Basement membrane

Thin layer between epithelial tissue and connective tissue.

Epithelial avascular

Has no blood vessels; gets nutrients by diffusion.

Epithelial regenerative

Can quickly replace damaged or lost cells.

Epithelial continuous

Forms a protective, unbroken sheet of cells.

Simple squamous

One layer of flat cells; allows easy diffusion (e.g., lungs).

Simple cuboidal

One layer of cube-shaped cells; for secretion and absorption (e.g., kidney tubules).

Simple columnar

One layer of tall cells; for absorption and secretion (e.g., intestines).

Stratified squamous

Many layers of flat cells; protects against wear (e.g., skin).

Stratified cuboidal

Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells; rare, found in sweat glands.

Stratified columnar

Multiple layers of tall cells; rare, found in some ducts.

Pseudostratified columnar

Appears layered but is one layer; often has cilia (e.g., respiratory tract).

Transitional

Changes shape (stretches); found in bladder.

Glandular epithelial tissue

Makes and releases stuff — like sweat, saliva, oil, or hormones. It forms glands in your body.

Merocrine

Glands that release their product without damaging the cell.

Apocrine

Glands that release their product by pinching off part of the cell.

Holocrine

Glands that release their product when the entire cell breaks apart and dies.