Histology and Cell Biology Review - Part 1 and Part 2

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Histology and Cell Biology lectures.

Cytoplasm

The material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus, containing various organelles and cytosol.

Nucleus

The membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and regulates gene expression.

Epithelial tissue

A type of tissue composed of closely packed cells that line surfaces and cavities throughout the body.

Connective tissue

A type of tissue that provides support, binds other tissues together, and stores energy.

Adipose tissue

A type of connective tissue that stores fat and insulates the body.

Cartilage

A flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body including joints and ear.

Bone

A hard, dense connective tissue that forms the skeleton and supports the body.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.

Hemopoiesis

The process of forming blood cellular components in the bone marrow.

Muscle tissue

A type of tissue responsible for the movement of the body.

Nerve tissue

Tissue composed of neurons and supporting cells that transmit and process electrical signals.

Plasmalemma

The lipid bilayer that forms the outer boundary of the cell.

Cholesterol

A type of lipid that plays a critical role in maintaining membrane fluidity.

Band 3 protein

A multipass membrane protein that functions as an anion exchanger in erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.

Spectrin

A cytoskeletal protein that forms a network beneath the plasma membrane of cells.

Ankyrin

A protein that anchors the cytoskeletal network to the plasma membrane.

Hereditary spherocytosis

A genetic condition affecting red blood cells which leads to their spherical shape and fragility.

Actin

A globular protein that forms microfilaments and is involved in muscle contraction and cell motility.

Microtubules

Cylindrical structures that are part of the cytoskeleton and play roles in cell shape, movement, and division.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that provides structural support and aids in cellular movement.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Euchromatin

Less condensed form of chromatin that is accessible for transcription.

Heterochromatin

Highly condensed form of chromatin that is typically not active in transcription.

Histone modification

The biochemical alteration of histone proteins that affects gene expression.

Epigenetics

The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, containing DNA.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus, condensing to form chromosomes during cell division.

Lactation

The process of milk production in mammals.

Merocrine secretion

A mode of secretion in which cells release products via exocytosis without losing cellular components.

Apocrine secretion

A mode of secretion where a portion of the cell membrane buds off to release the secretion.

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)

A protein involved in the breakdown of blood clots.

Bone marrow

The soft tissue found within the cavities of bones responsible for blood cell production.

Glycophorin

An integral membrane protein that serves as an anchoring site in erythrocytes.

Endothelium

The thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels.

Hemolysis

The breakdown of red blood cells leading to the release of hemoglobin.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells.

Chondrocytes

Cells found in cartilage that produce and maintain the cartilaginous matrix.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)

Long unbranched polysaccharides that play a significant role in cellular hydration and structural integrity.

Epithelium

A tissue composed of layers of cells that cover organ surfaces and form glands.

Thymus

An organ that is part of the immune system and is where T-cells mature.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell important for immune responses.

Fibroblasts

Cells that synthesize the extracellular matrix and collagen.

Myocytes

Muscle cells responsible for contraction.

Macrophages

Immune cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.

Glial cells

Supportive cells found in the nervous system that do not conduct electrical impulses.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cellular components.

Retrograde degeneration

The degeneration that occurs in a nerve cell following an injury to its axon.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Merkel cells

Touch receptors found in the skin.

Fascia

Connective tissue that envelopes organs and structures.

Ganglia

Clusters of nerve cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where communication occurs.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.

Adipocytes

Fat cells that store energy in the form of lipids.

Immune response

The reaction of the immune system against foreign substances.

Skeletal muscle

A type of muscle tissue attached to bones that facilitates movement.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary muscle found only in the heart, responsible for pumping blood.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary muscle found in organs, responsible for contracting and moving substances.

Neurotransmitter receptors

Proteins on the postsynaptic membrane that bind neurotransmitters.

Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Neural tube

Embryonic structure that develops into the central nervous system.

Fasciola

A genus of parasitic flatworms that can infect the liver.

Lamellated corpuscles

Sensitive to pressure and vibration, found in the dermis.

Stratified epithelium

Multiple layers of cells, providing protection and often found in high-friction areas.

Pseudostratified epithelium

A single layer of cells that appears to be stratified; often ciliated.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build bone by synthesizing the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage that provides support with some pliability.

Elastic cartilage

A type of cartilage that maintains shape while allowing flexibility.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that carry lymph fluid and help in immune responses.

Sclera

The outer protective layer of the eye, also known as the white of the eye.

Cornea

The transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber.

Lamina propria

The connective tissue layer beneath the epithelium.

Alveolus

Air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.

Nephrons

Functional units of the kidneys that filter blood and produce urine.

Renal corpuscle

The initial filtering component of a nephron, consisting of Bowman's capsule and glomerulus.

Macula densa

A group of specialized cells in the distal convoluted tubule that help regulate blood pressure.

Antigen

A molecule that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to neutralize or destroy foreign invaders.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins produced by cells that affect the behavior of other cells.

Adrenal gland

An endocrine gland that produces hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Hypothalamus

The brain region that regulates many bodily functions, often connecting the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Pituitary gland

The master gland that regulates other endocrine glands and various bodily functions.

Thyroid gland

An endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating metabolism.

Parathyroid gland

Glands located on the thyroid that regulate calcium levels.

Testis

Male reproductive organ responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.

Ovary

Female reproductive organ responsible for producing eggs and hormones.

Uterus

The organ in which a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Respiratory tract

The airway that carries air to and from the lungs.

Gastrointestinal tract

The digestive tract running from the mouth to the anus.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system and its functions.

Immunology

The branch of biology that deals with the immune system.

Pathology

The study of diseases and their causes, processes, development, and consequences.

Anatomy

The study of the structure of the body and its parts.

Physiology

The study of how the body and its parts function.

Clinical medicine

The study and practice of diagnosing and treating diseases.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms.