Basic Tissues, Cells, and Glands – Lecture Review

Sixty question-and-answer flashcards covering cell structures, organelles, epithelial classifications, glandular mechanisms, connective tissues, cartilage, bone, blood, muscle, and nervous system topics from the lecture notes.

What is the typical diameter range of a human cell?

Approximately 0.01–0.05 mm.

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

To keep cellular fluid inside the cell and foreign materials out.

Which fluid medium inside the cell contains the nucleus?

Cytoplasm.

Where are DNA and RNA located within a cell?

In the nucleus.

During non-mitotic times, where is DNA found inside the nucleus?

Dispersed throughout the nucleus rather than packed in chromosomes.

What is the role of RNA in a cell?

Carrying genetic information from DNA to the cell’s manufacturing sites.

What are organelles?

Small functional parts of a cell that keep it alive and performing its functions.

Which organelle is responsible for cellular energy production?

The mitochondrion.

What are cristae in mitochondria?

Inner-membrane infoldings bearing metabolic enzymes.

What is the main job of rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Manufacturing products via surface ribosomes for use inside or outside the cell.

How does smooth endoplasmic reticulum differ from rough ER?

It lacks ribosomes on its surface.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

Packages protein secretions for transport without mixing them with cytoplasm.

What is the principal function of lysosomes?

Digesting foreign bodies or worn-out organelles.

What can happen if lysosomal enzymes leak into the cell?

They can digest the cell itself.

Which structures help a cell maintain its shape?

Microtubules and microfilaments.

What is the role of centrioles during mitosis?

Aligning chromosomes for proper cell division.

Define epithelial tissue.

A group of cells forming skin and lining body tubes and cavities.

Which two major organs develop from epithelial tissue?

Pancreas and liver.

How is simple squamous epithelium characterized structurally?

A single flat (platelike) cell layer.

What gas exchange takes place across simple squamous epithelium in the lungs?

Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

What are endothelial cells?

Simple squamous cells lining blood vessels, lymphatics, and the heart.

Where is simple cuboidal epithelium commonly found?

Kidneys, glands, and respiratory passages.

Which surface feature traps contaminants on some cuboidal and pseudostratified epithelia?

Cilia.

What is the primary function of simple columnar epithelium?

Absorption in the digestive tract.

Why is pseudostratified columnar epithelium called "falsely layered"?

All cells reach the basement membrane but vary in height, mimicking layers.

What is the most common epithelial type in the body?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

Which pigment-producing cells lie beneath the basal epithelial layer?

Melanocytes.

What are exocrine glands?

Glands that secrete products through ducts to an epithelial surface.

How do endocrine glands release their products?

Directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

What are acini in glandular tissue?

Bulblike secretory end pieces of epithelial cords.

What type of salivary secretion is thin, watery, and enzyme-rich?

Serous secretion.

Which embryonic layer forms the epidermis and central nervous system?

Ectoderm.

From which germ layer does digestive-tract epithelium arise?

Endoderm.

Which germ layer gives rise to connective tissue, bone, and cartilage?

Mesoderm.

Name the two broad categories of connective tissue.

Connective tissue proper and specialized connective tissue.

Where is loose connective tissue typically located?

In superficial and deep fascia supporting organs.

Which cells produce fibers in loose connective tissue?

Fibroblasts.

Which specialized loose connective tissue forms the umbilical cord?

Mucous connective tissue.

Where is elastic connective tissue commonly found?

Vocal cords, supporting tissues, and spinal ligaments.

What does reticular tissue provide for certain organs?

A structural framework.

Which cells produce cartilage matrix?

Chondroblasts (later chondrocytes).

List the three types of cartilage.

Hyaline, elastic, and fibrous cartilage.

Where would you find elastic cartilage?

Ear, epiglottis, and eustachian tube.

What is the primary function of fibrous cartilage?

Cushioning in joints such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Roughly what percentage of bone consists of hydroxyapatite crystals?

About 50%.

What structure results when bone forms around a blood vessel?

A Haversian system (osteon).

What are the two main components of blood?

Plasma (fluid) and cellular elements.

Which blood cells contain hemoglobin?

Erythrocytes (red blood cells).

What term describes a decrease in red blood cell count?

Anemia.

What is the primary role of leukocytes?

Fighting disease and mediating immune responses.

Name the three types of muscle tissue.

Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

How do sensory (afferent) nerve signals travel?

From peripheral body parts toward the brain.

How do motor (efferent) nerve signals travel?

From the brain to peripheral body parts.

What are the three structural components of a neuron?

Cell body, axon, and dendrite.

How do neurons transmit electrical signals?

Via movement of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane.

What is the function of cilia on pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

Rhythmic beating to trap and move contaminants out of the respiratory tract.

Which connective tissue type is a non-calcified supporting component?

Cartilage.

What term describes epithelial tissue with multiple cell layers?

Stratified epithelium.

What duct arrangement characterizes compound tubuloalveolar glands?

Multiple branching levels resembling a bunch of grapes.

Which tissue type lining body cavities such as the peritoneum is made of mesothelial cells?

Simple squamous mesothelium.