Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Nervous Tissues Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the components, functions, and locations of epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues as presented in the tissues lab lecture.

Simple squamous epithelium

A single layer of flat cells with flattened, central nuclei; provides a barrier for gas exchange, produces serous fluid, and is located in the air sacs of lungs and blood vessel linings.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells with round, central nuclei; functions in absorption and secretion; found in kidney tubules and thyroid, salivary, and mammary glands.

Simple columnar epithelium

A single layer of rectangular cells with ovoid, basal nuclei; functions in absorption, secretion of mucus, and propulsion of eggs; located in the digestive tract and uterine tubes.

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

A single layer of columnar cells of different heights that appears stratified; often contains cilia and secretes mucus; found in the nasal cavity and upper respiratory passages.

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Multiple layers of squamous cells where apical cells are dead, flaky, and filled with keratin; prevents water loss and provides protection to the epidermis.

Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Multiple layers of squamous cells with living, flat apical cells; provides protection from mechanical stress; located in the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, vagina, and anal canal.

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

Two or more layers of cuboidal cells; functions in protection and some absorption/secretion; located in the ducts of sweat glands.

Stratified columnar epithelium

Two or more layers of columnar cells; functions in protection and some absorption/secretion; found in the ducts of certain glands and parts of the male urethra.

Transitional epithelium

Multiple layers of cells with dome-shaped apical cells that flatten when stretched; gives tissues added distensibility; found in the urinary bladder, ureter, and urethra.

Loose Connective Tissue (Loose CT)

Contains fibroblasts, ground substance, and protein fibers; provides support and protection; houses blood vessels and is located deep to the epidermis.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Contains fibroblasts and irregular collagen bundles; provides strength and resistance to stress in all three planes; located in the deepest layer of skin and around joints.

Dense regular collagenous connective tissue

Consists of fibroblasts and parallel collagen bundles; provides strength and resistance to stress in one plane; found in tendons and ligaments.

Dense regular elastic connective tissue

Consists of parallel elastic fibers and ground substance; allows tissue to stretch and recoil; located in large blood vessels like the aorta and certain ligaments.

Reticular CT

Consists of reticular fibers and leukocytes; forms the internal structure of many organs; found in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and liver.

Adipose CT

Consists of adipocytes filled with lipid inclusions; functions in warmth, insulation, shock absorption, and energy reserve; found deep to the skin and surrounding heart/abdominal organs.

Hyaline cartilage

Consists of chondrocytes in lacunae and ECM; resists compression and provides support; located between bones in joints, the nose, and the respiratory tract.

Fibrocartilage

Contains chondrocytes and collagen fibers; resists compression; found in intervertebral discs.

Elastic cartilage

Contains chondrocytes and elastic fibers; involved in producing and detecting sound; located in the ears and epiglottis of the larynx.

Bone

Contains osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes in lacunae within a calcified ECM; provides support, protection, leverage for movement, and stores calcium.

Blood

Consists of plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets; transports nutrients, gases, wastes, and immune cells within blood vessels.

Skeletal muscle tissue

Consists of long, thin skeletal muscle fibers that are striated and contain multiple nuclei.

Cardiac muscle tissue

Contains branched cardiac muscle cells with striations, intercalated discs, and typically a single nucleus; found in the heart.

Smooth muscle tissue

Consists of smooth muscle cells with no striations and a single central nucleus; found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach.

Nervous tissue

Composed of neurons (with cell bodies, axons, and dendrites) and neuroglial cells; functions in the transmission and support of nerve impulses.