Chapter 5: Tissues - Living Communities

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to tissues, their types, functions, structures, and healing processes as discussed in the lecture notes.

What are the primary types of tissues in the human body?

Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous.

What is the main function of epithelial tissue?

Covers and lines, protects, absorbs, filters, and provides sensory input.

What is the structural characteristic of epithelial cells?

Organized into tightly packed sheets, polar with apical and basal surfaces, avascular.

What is the role of tight junctions in epithelial tissues?

Prevents leakage between cells by fusing the outer layers of plasma membranes.

What is the function of gap junctions?

Allows exchange and passage of ions and nutrients between adjacent cells.

What distinguishes simple from stratified epithelial tissue?

Simple has one layer of cells; stratified has multiple layers.

Where is cuboidal epithelium typically found?

In areas where secretion and absorption occur, like glands.

What is the primary role of connective tissue?

Provides metabolic and structural connections, protects organs, and supports the body.

What are the components of connective tissue?

Ground substance, extracellular fibers, and cells.

What type of connective tissue is characterized by loosely arranged fibers?

Areolar tissue.

What is the difference between merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine secretion?

Merocrine: secretion via exocytosis; Apocrine: secretion from the top part of the cell; Holocrine: entire cell disintegrates to release secretion.

What are the two main types of cartilage?

Hyaline cartilage and elastic cartilage.

What type of connective tissue serves as a framework for organs?

Reticular tissue.

What are the phases of healing after tissue injury?

Inflammation, Organization, and Regeneration.

What characterizes skeletal muscle tissue?

Striated, voluntary, and contains multiple nuclei.

What is the main function of cardiac muscle?

Pumps blood through the heart involuntarily.

What is the definition of mucous membranes?

Membranes that line organs connected to the outside environment, producing mucus.

What type of connective tissue is blood?

A specialized connective tissue with a fluid matrix (plasma) and cellular components.