Anatomy and Physiology: Tissue Level of Organization

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Anatomy and Physiology lecture on the Tissue Level of Organization.

Tissue

A group of cells that perform a specific function.

Histology

The study of tissue structure, organization, and function.

Pathology

The study of changes associated with disease of tissues.

Epithelial tissue

Forms coverings, linings, and glands in the body.

Connective tissue

Provides protection and support.

Muscle tissue

Provides movement.

Nervous tissue

Allows communication within the body.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

Material found outside of a tissue that provides support.

Collagen

Tough, protective protein fibers found in the ECM.

Proteoglycans

Negatively charged protein/carbohydrate molecules that are part of the ECM.

Tight junctions

Cellular connections that allow no movement between cells.

Desmosomes

Flexible connections that allow some movement between cells.

Gap junctions

Passageways that allow movement between cells.

Basal surface

The surface of epithelial tissue that is attached to the basement membrane.

Apical surface

The surface of epithelial tissue that is exposed to the external environment or internal space.

Simple epithelium

A tissue with one layer of cells.

Stratified epithelium

A tissue with two or more layers of cells.

Squamous cells

Flat cells that make up a type of epithelial tissue.

Cuboidal cells

Box-shaped cells that make up a type of epithelial tissue.

Columnar cells

Column-like cells that make up a type of epithelial tissue.

Transitional epithelium

A type of epithelium that can stretch and is found in the bladder.

Areolar connective tissue

Connective tissue that supports nearby tissues and is found in subcutaneous layers.

Adipose tissue

Connective tissue that stores energy and provides cushioning.

Hyaline cartilage

Most abundant type of cartilage, found within joints and ribs.

Fibrocartilage

Strongest type of cartilage, found in intervertebral discs.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage found in the external ear.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry gases like oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that provide immune function.

Muscle contraction

The process by which muscle tissue produces movement.

Skeletal muscle

Muscle attached to bones that enables voluntary movement.

Cardiac muscle

Muscle found in the walls of the heart, involuntarily controlled.

Smooth muscle

Muscle found within internal organs, also involuntarily controlled.

Inflammation

The body’s initial response to injury that begins the repair process.

Benign tumor

A mass of cells that does not cause disease.

Malignant tumor

A mass of cells that causes damage to the body.

Mucous membranes

Line body cavities exposed to the external environment and usually contain goblet cells.

Serous membranes

Cover and line internal organs and reduce friction as they move.

Cutaneous membrane

Essentially the skin that protects the body from desiccation and pathogens.