Tissues, Skin, and Bone Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcard collection covering tissue classifications, epithelial histology, skin anatomy, diagnostic skin indicators, connective tissue types, long bone anatomy, and bone fracture classifications.

Tissues

Groups of specialized cells with shared functions that form the structural and functional units of body organs.

Histology

The scientific study of body tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces, lines internal cavities and passageways, and forms most glands.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that functions to support, bind, transport materials, and store energy.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue responsible for enabling movement and generating body heat.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue responsible for body communication and control via electrical impulses.

Simple Epithelium

An epithelial layer consisting of a single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

An epithelial tissue consisting of multiple layers of cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears to be layered, but consists of a single layer where all cells touch the basement membrane.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that can be stretched and withstand distension, often featuring dual-nucleated cells on its surface layer; located in the urinary bladder and ureters.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat cells that allows rapid diffusion and filtration; found in alveoli, capillaries, and serous membranes.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of flat cells that protect underlying tissues against abrasion and pathogens; located in the epidermis, mouth, and esophagus.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Cube-shaped cells with a central nucleus that function in secretion and absorption; found in kidney tubules and gland ducts.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Tall, tightly packed column-shaped cells that often contain microvilli and goblet cells; located in the stomach and intestines.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Tissue with hair-like cilia and goblet cells that appears layered but is a single cell layer thick; located in the trachea and respiratory tract.

Cilia

Long, motile cellular projections that move substances across tissue surfaces, such as moving mucus in the respiratory tract.

Microvilli

Short, non-motile cellular projections that increase surface area for absorption, such as in the small intestine.

Epidermis

The most superficial region of the skin, composed of stratified squamous epithelium.

Dermis

The middle skin layer with an abundant blood supply, containing most skin accessory structures.

Arrector Pili Muscle

A smooth muscle attached to a hair follicle that contracts when cold to generate heat, creating goosebumps.

Sebaceous Gland

An oil gland that secretes slightly acidic oil to lubricate skin and protect against pathogens.

Sudoriferous Gland

A sweat gland that produces sweat made mostly of water to cool the body.

Hypodermis

The deepest layer of skin made of adipose and areolar connective tissue; functions in energy storage, shock absorption, and muscle/bone attachment.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin indicating low blood oxygen levels.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin caused by a buildup of bilirubin, associated with liver or bile disorders.

Erythema

Redness of the skin resulting from inflammation, infection, or exposure to heat.

Pallor

A pale or ashen skin appearance linked to anemia or low tissue perfusion.

Adipose Loose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue specialized for fat storage, thermal insulation, and organ cushioning, located beneath the skin and around organs.

Areolar Loose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue composed of collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers that cushions organs and attaches skin to underlying muscles and bones.

Compact Bone Tissue

Hard, mineralized connective tissue that provides support, protection, blood cell production, and calcium storage.

Long Bones

Bones that serve as levers for movement, such as the femur.

Short Bones

Cube-like bones that provide support with limited motion, such as the carpals.

Flat Bones

Thin, flattened bones that protect internal organs, such as the sternum, skull, and ribs.

Irregular Bones

Bones with complex, unique shapes, such as vertebrae.

Sesamoid Bones

Small bones embedded within tendons, such as the patella.

Diaphysis

The tubular shaft of a long bone, composed of compact bone.

Epiphysis

The expanded end of a long bone, containing spongy bone tissue.

Metaphysis

The growth plate region located between the diaphysis and epiphysis of a long bone.

Medullary Cavity

The central space within the shaft of a long bone that contains yellow bone marrow in adults.

Periosteum

A dense fibrous outer covering of bone that nourishes bone tissue and serves as an attachment point for tendons and ligaments.

Endosteum

The membrane lining the internal medullary cavity that assists in bone growth and repair.

Transverse Fracture

A fracture with a horizontal break line extending straight across the long axis of a bone.

Oblique Fracture

A fracture with an angled break line across the bone axis at an angle other than 90 degrees.

Spiral Fracture

A fracture caused by twisting forces that pull segments of bone apart.

Comminuted Fracture

A break resulting in multiple small fragments between the main bone pieces.

Impacted Fracture

A compression fracture where one bone fragment is driven forcibly into another.

Greenstick Fracture

A partial bone fracture where one side breaks and the other side bends; common in children.