Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, and Nervous Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards covering epithelial, glandular, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue types based on human anatomy lecture notes.

Epithelial tissue

The lining tissue that forms the boundary between the body and external environment, serving functions such as protection, absorption, filtration, and secretion.

Apical surface

The top or free surface of an epithelial tissue that faces the exterior or an open space.

Basal surface

The bottom surface of an epithelial tissue attached to the underlying membrane.

Basement membrane

The specialized membrane located directly underneath the basal surface of an epithelial tissue.

Avascular

A characteristic of tissues, such as epithelial tissue, meaning they contain no blood vessels.

Simple epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of only a single layer of cells.

Stratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of two or more layers of cells.

Simple squamous epithelium

A single, flat, thin layer of cells that is permeable for rapid diffusion of materials; found in lung tissues and blood vessels.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells responsible for secretion and absorption; found in kidney tissues.

Simple columnar epithelium

A single layer of tall, closely packed cells that may feature cilia and goblet cells that secrete mucus; found lining the digestive tract.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Thick epithelium consisting of multiple layers of squished cells that provide protection for underlying layers; found in the epidermal layer of skin.

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

Rare tissue type consisting of more than one layer of cuboidal cells; found in salivary and mammary glands.

Stratified columnar epithelium

Rare tissue type whose free surface is lined with columnar cells; found in the larynx and male urethra.

Pseudo-stratified epithelium

A single layer of cells with nuclei found at different levels, creating the false appearance of multiple layers; functions in secretion and absorption in most of the upper respiratory tract.

Transitional epithelium

Epithelium whose free surface cells vary in appearance based on tissue stretching; lines the urinary bladder.

Gland

A structure made of a group of cells that secretes a fluid substance.

Exocrine glands

Glands that secrete their products outward through tube-like ducts.

Endocrine glands

Ductless glands composed of tightly packed cells surrounded by capillaries that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to travel longer distances.

Merocrine glands

Exocrine glands whose cells excrete substances via exocytosis without damage to the cell (e.g., sweat glands).

Apocrine glands

Exocrine glands where a portion of the cell pinches off with the secreted substance (e.g., mammary glands).

Holocrine glands

Exocrine glands where whole cells rupture and spill their products into the duct (e.g., sebaceous oil glands in the skin).

Connective tissue

Tissue derived from stem cells called mesenchyme that functions to support, bind, insulate, protect other tissues, and transport substances.

Extracellular matrix

Non-living matrix mostly made of open space, ground substance, and fibers that holds water and salts for surrounding tissues.

Areolar tissue

Loose connective tissue with mostly open space that holds water and salts for surrounding tissues; located under epithelium and around organs.

Adipose tissue

Loose connective tissue containing adipocytes with large fat vacuoles that insulates, warms the body, and stores nutrients.

Reticular tissue

Loose connective tissue containing reticular fibers that form a stiff framework to support other cells.

Dense regular connective tissue

Connective tissue with collagen fibers arranged in one direction providing rope-like tensile strength; found in tendons and ligaments.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Connective tissue with collagen fibers arranged in many directions providing strength in multiple directions; found in organ capsules.

Elastic connective tissue

Connective tissue providing flexible cushioning; found between vertebrae and in arteries.

Hyaline cartilage

Cartilage with a glassy appearance and firm ground substance containing lacunae and few collagen fibers; found in the larynx, bridge of the nose, and ribs.

Fibro-cartilage

Cartilage filled with abundant collagen fibers running mostly parallel; found in intervertebral spaces.

Elastic cartilage

Highly flexible cartilage containing a high concentration of elastic fibers; found in the outer ear and tip of the nose.

Osseous tissue

Bone tissue containing osteocytes that secrete ground substance and fibers that eventually calcify and become hard; exists in spongy and compact forms.

Mast cells

Connective tissue cells that detect foreign substances and contain granules that secrete inflammatory chemicals.

Macrophages

Blob-like immune cells that engulf invading substances or organisms.

Blood (Vascular tissue)

Fluid connective tissue consisting of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen, and white blood cells (leukocytes) that provide immune response.