Histology Vocabulary

Anatomy and Physiology

Tissue

groups of cells of the body arranged into various groups having similar structural and functional characteristics

Epithelial tissue

tissues that cover and line all surfaces and cavities of the body

Connective tissue

binds, protects, supports, fills in spaces, and produces blood cells.

Nervous tissue

specialized tissue that transmits impulses when stimulated.-

muscle tissue

specialized tissue that contracts when stimulated

contractility

the ability to contract or shorten

organ

a group of tissues that work together to perform a specific function

simple

epithelial tissue that is only one cell layer thick

stratified

epithelium that is more than one cell layer thick

simple squamous epithelium

makes up our skin and lines all of our external orifices.

simple cuboidal epithelium

makes up most of our glands, ovaries, and kidney tubules.

simple columnar epithelium

lines that digestive tract

ciliated epithelium (pseudostratified)

lines most of the lower respiratory tract and fallopian tubes

loose connective tissue

connective tissue that binds the skin to underlying tissues.

adipose tissue

cushions, insulates and is a reserve energy source.

blood

has a liquid matrix and cellular components that transport gasses, and nutrients and fight infection

fibrous connective tissue

composed primarily of collagen which makes up tendons and ligaments

cartilage

rigid connective tissue that supports, protects, and serves as an attachment for muscles, produced by chondrocytes.

bone

produce by osteocytes, rigid connective tissue that provides support, protection, and movement. Stores minerals and produces blood cells.

osteoblast

bone-producing cell

osteoclast

bone-resorbing cell

neuron

the structural and functional component of the nervous system

involuntary muscle

doesn’t contract under conscious control. Cardiac and smooth muscle

striated muscle

muscle tissue that appears to have a striped appearance

smooth muscle

involuntary, non-striated muscle found in the walls of hollow organs.

skeletal muscle

a striated, voluntary muscle that makes up 40-50% of our body weight.

cardiac muscle

striated, involuntary muscle found only in the heart

neoplasm

an abnormal or excessive growth of tissue

benign

mild or non-threatening

melignant

dangerous to health

fibroblast

a cell that produces elastin and collagen