Tissue: The Living Fabric

Flashcards to assist students in reviewing critical concepts from the human anatomy and physiology lecture on tissues.

What are the four basic types of tissue in the human body?

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

What is histology?

The study of tissues.

What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?

Protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion, and sensory reception.

Name the five distinguishing characteristics of epithelial tissues.

Polarity, specialized contacts, supported by connective tissue, avascular but innervated, and regeneration.

What does the apical surface of epithelial tissue refer to?

The upper free side that is exposed to the surface or cavity.

How does epithelial tissue receive nourishment?

Through diffusion from underlying connective tissues, as it is avascular.

What is the primary role of stratified squamous epithelium?

To provide protection in areas subjected to abrasion.

Describe the structure of connective tissue.

Connective tissue has three main components: ground substance, fibers, and cells.

What is the function of adipose tissue?

Shock absorption, insulation, and energy storage.

Differentiate between merocrine, holocrine, and apocrine modes of secretion in exocrine glands.

Merocrine: secrete by exocytosis; Holocrine: cells rupture to release secretion; Apocrine: apex of the cell ruptures to release secretion.

What characterizes transitional epithelium?

Allows for stretching and change of shape when the bladder fills with urine.

What are the three types of cartilage?

Hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage.

What are the roles of neurons in nervous tissue?

Neurons respond to stimuli and transmit electrical signals.

What type of muscle tissue is involuntary and found in the heart?

Cardiac muscle.

What is the primary function of smooth muscle tissue?

To propel substances or objects along internal passageways.

Which primary germ layer gives rise to nerve tissue?

Ectoderm.

How does aging affect epithelial tissue?

As the body ages, epithelia thin and are more easily breached.

What is the definition of fibrosis in the context of tissue repair?

Connective tissue replaces destroyed tissue, resulting in loss of original function.