BIO 45: Tissues and Cellular Division Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the cell cycle, mitosis, protein synthesis, structural levels of organization, and the four major tissue types.

Cell Cycle

A series of events within a cell from formation to division, including interphase and mitosis.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle consisting of cell growth, DNA replication, and preparation for division.

Mitosis

The process of cellular division that results in two daughter cells genetically identical to the parent cell.

Stages of Mitosis (PMAT)

The four sequential stages of nuclear division: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Transcription

The process occurring in the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into an mRNA molecule in nucleic acid language.

Translation

The process occurring in the cytoplasm where mRNA is translated into a protein language.

Levels of Organization

The structural hierarchy of the body from smallest to largest: Chemical, Cellular, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, and Organismal levels.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that come together to perform specific properties and functions.

Epithelium

A sheet of cells covering body surfaces or lining body cavities that acts as a barrier to protect, secret, absorb, and filter.

Basal Surface

The bottom surface of epithelial tissue that rests in contact with underlying connective tissue via the basement membrane (basal lamina).

Apical Surface

The top surface of epithelial tissue opposite the basal surface, exposed to the external environment or the lumen of a duct.

Epithelial Cell Shapes

The three classifications of epithelial cells based on shape: Squamous (flattened, scale-like), Cuboidal (roughly equal height and width), and Columnar (taller than wide).

Simple Epithelium

An epithelial tissue consisting of a single layer of cells, suitable for diffusion, filtration, and absorption.

Stratified Epithelium

An epithelial tissue consisting of two or more layers of cells, primarily serving a protective function.

Microvilli

Epithelial cell surface modifications, known as the 'brush border', that function to increase surface area.

Goblet Cells

Specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

An epithelium that appears multi-layered but has all cells attached to the basement membrane; often contains goblet cells and cilia.

Transitional Epithelium

A multi-layered epithelium with cells of varied shape (squamous and cuboidal) that allows urinary organs to stretch and expand.

Connective Tissue (CT)

The most abundant body tissue, responsible for binding tissues, insulation, fuel storage, protection, support, and substance transport.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Noncellular, nonliving material in connective tissue composed of ground substance and protein fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular).

Fibroblasts / Fibrocytes

The primary resident cells found within Connective Tissue Proper.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells that reside within small cavities in the extracellular matrix called lacunae.

Adipocytes

Fat cells in connective tissue that fill with lipids to provide cushioning and thermal insulation.

Mast Cells

Connective tissue cells involved in the inflammatory response by secreting histamines.

Macrophages

Immune cells in connective tissue that engulf and 'eat' dead tissue and foreign matter.

Areolar CT

The most widespread loose connective tissue, containing all three fiber types and functioning as an all-purpose packing material.

Dense Regular CT

Dense connective tissue composed of tightly packed parallel collagen fibers.

Dense Irregular CT

Dense connective tissue composed of non-parallel collagen fiber bundles.

Hyaline Cartilage

Smooth, glassy cartilage with moderate collagen fibers, found at joint surfaces and involved in bone formation.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage packed with abundant collagen fibers, located in the intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage composed of a mix of collagen and elastic fibers, located in the external ear, Eustachian tubes, epiglottis, and larynx.

Bone Tissue

A rigid, vascularized connective tissue composed of inorganic calcium phosphate salts, collagen fibers, water, and osteocytes in lacunae.

Blood Tissue

An atypical fluid connective tissue consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets suspended in a plasma matrix.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue attached to bones that is striated and multinucleated.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue found exclusively in the heart wall, possessing striations, single nuclei, and intercalated discs.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue consisting of non-striated, single-nucleated, spindle-shaped cells found in the walls of hollow organs.

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells in nervous tissue that generate and conduct nerve impulses.

Glial Cells

Specialized support cells in nervous tissue that protect, insulate, and support neurons.