CT and Ingumentary System

What are the 6 major functions of connective tissue?

Binding, support, protection, insulation, energy storage, and transportation.

What is the location and function of areolar connective tissue?

Beneath epithelia and surrounding organs; wraps and cushions.

What is the primary function of adipose tissue?

Stores fat.

What is the function of reticular connective tissue?

Forms a supportive framework in lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.

How do dense regular and dense irregular connective tissue differ in fiber arrangement and function?

Dense regular fibers run parallel, resisting tension in one direction; dense irregular fibers run in multiple directions, resisting tension in multiple directions.

What is mesenchyme?

Embryonic connective tissue that gives rise to most connective tissues.

Which embryonic germ layer gives rise to most connective tissues?

Mesoderm.

What does the ectoderm give rise to?

Epidermis and nervous tissue.

What is the fundamental equation for the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

ECM = ground substance + protein fibers.

What are the three protein fibers of the ECM and their keywords?

Collagen (strength), Elastic (stretch/recoil), Reticular (framework).

What is the function of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in ground substance?

Attract water.

What are the primary functions of fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells?

Fibroblasts produce fibers/ground substance; macrophages engulf pathogens/debris; mast cells release histamine to initiate inflammation.

What are the key locations of dense irregular connective tissue?

Dermis of the skin, fibrous capsules surrounding organs and joints, and submucosa of the digestive tract.

What are the four main types of epithelial membranes?

Cutaneous, mucous, serous, and synovial membranes.

What is the primary difference between mucous and serous membranes in terms of location?

Mucous membranes line passageways opening to the exterior; serous membranes line closed ventral body cavities and organ surfaces.

What is the epithelial type of the epidermis?

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

What are the five classic signs of inflammation?

Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

What causes redness and heat during inflammation?

Increased blood flow.

What is the difference between regeneration and fibrosis?

Regeneration replaces damaged cells with the same cell type; fibrosis replaces damaged tissue with connective tissue (scar formation).

Which tissues have a high regenerative capacity?

Epithelial tissue, bone, and blood.

Why does cartilage have a poor regenerative capacity?

It lacks blood vessels.

What is the correct order of the epidermal strata from deepest to most superficial?

Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum corneum.

Which epidermal layer is found only in thick skin?

Stratum lucidum.

What are the functions of keratinocytes, melanocytes, dendritic cells, and Merkel cells?

Keratinocytes produce keratin; melanocytes produce melanin; dendritic cells defend against pathogens; Merkel cells contribute to light-touch sensation.

What tissue type makes up the epidermis?

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium (which is avascular).

What is the difference between the cutaneous membrane and the hypodermis?

The cutaneous membrane consists of the epidermis and dermis; the hypodermis is subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin.

What are the cells of origin for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma?

Basal cells, keratinocytes, and melanocytes, respectively.

What are the four degrees of burns and their tissue depths?

First-degree (epidermis), second-degree (epidermis and part of dermis), third-degree (entire epidermis and dermis), fourth-degree (extends into muscle or bone).

According to the Rule of Nines for adults, what percentage of body surface area is the anterior trunk?

18 percent.

What sensation do Pacinian corpuscles detect?

Deep pressure and vibration.

What sensation do Meissner corpuscles detect?

Light touch.

What are the three phases of the hair growth cycle?

Anagen, catagen, and telogen.

What are the main functions of sebaceous, eccrine, and apocrine glands?

Sebaceous glands lubricate skin/hair with sebum; eccrine glands cool the body via watery sweat; apocrine glands produce scent-associated secretions.

What are the three types of skin barriers?

Physical, chemical, and biological.

What three pigments contribute to skin color?

Melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin.

What type of microorganism causes ringworm and athlete's foot?

Dermatophyte fungi.

Which structure produces the nail plate?

Nail matrix.

What does pruritus mean, and why is it common in aging skin?

Pruritus means itching; it occurs due to reduced sebum, reduced hydration, barrier changes, and xerosis.