Histology Review – Tissues and Structures

25 vocabulary flashcards covering the key epithelial, connective, muscular, and integumentary tissues highlighted in the lecture notes.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flat cells that allows rapid diffusion and filtration; lines alveoli, capillaries, serous membranes.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells specialized for secretion and absorption; found in kidney tubules and glandular ducts.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells that often contain microvilli or cilia; performs absorption and secretion in the digestive tract and uterine tubes.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears multilayered but all cells contact the basement membrane; usually ciliated with goblet cells; lines most of the respiratory tract.

Non-Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple cell layers without surface keratin; protects moist cavities such as the oral cavity, esophagus, and vagina.

Transitional Epithelium

Stratified tissue whose surface cells change shape from dome-shaped to squamous when stretched; lines urinary bladder and ureters.

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose connective tissue with collagen and elastic fibers plus abundant ground substance; cushions organs and allows vascular passage.

Reticular Connective Tissue

Loose network of reticular fibers and cells forming the structural stroma of lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.

Adipose Connective Tissue

Tissue composed of closely packed adipocytes that store triglycerides, insulate, and cushion organs.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Parallel bundles of collagen fibers with few cells; provides great tensile strength in one direction; forms tendons and ligaments.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Irregularly arranged collagen fibers; resists tension from many directions; found in dermis and organ capsules.

Elastic Connective Tissue

Connective tissue rich in elastic fibers, enabling stretch and recoil; located in large artery walls and elastic ligaments.

Hyaline Cartilage

Glossy, translucent cartilage with fine collagen fibers; supports respiratory passages, forms embryonic skeleton, and covers articular surfaces.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage similar to hyaline but with abundant elastic fibers; provides flexible support in the external ear and epiglottis.

Compact Bone

Dense bone containing osteons (Haversian systems); provides rigid support and mineral storage.

Spongy (Cancellous) Bone

Latticework of trabeculae filled with bone marrow; lightens bone weight and houses hematopoietic tissue.

Stratum Corneum

Outermost epidermal layer of dead, keratin-filled cells that provides a waterproof barrier.

Stratum Granulosum

Epidermal layer where cells accumulate keratohyalin granules and begin keratinization.

Stratum Spinosum

Epidermal layer of polygonal cells connected by desmosomes, giving a ‘spiny’ appearance under the microscope.

Stratum Basale

Deepest epidermal layer containing mitotically active keratinocyte stem cells and melanocytes.

Sebaceous Gland

Holocrine skin gland that secretes oily sebum into hair follicles for lubrication of hair and skin.

Sweat (Sudoriferous) Gland

Coiled tubular gland—eccrine type most common—producing watery sweat for thermoregulation.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary, striated muscle composed of long, multinucleated fibers responsible for body movement.

Cardiac Muscle

Striated, branched muscle with intercalated discs; contracts involuntarily to pump blood in the heart.

Smooth Muscle

Non-striated spindle-shaped cells that contract involuntarily in the walls of hollow organs and blood vessels.