GAP Ch4: Tissues

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Epithelial tissue

Sheets of cells that cover exterior surfaces of the body, line internal cavities and passageways, and form certain glands.

Connective tissue

Tissue that supports and connects other tissues and organs in the body.

Muscle tissue

Excitable tissue that can contract and produce movement.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that allows the propagation of nerve impulses for communication between different body regions.

Epithelial membrane

A thin layer of cells that covers organs and lines cavities.

Gland

A structure made up of one or more cells that synthesizes and secretes chemical substances.

Endocrine gland

A gland that releases secretions into surrounding tissues and fluids.

Exocrine gland

A gland that releases secretions through a duct to the external environment.

Avascular

Tissue that does not have blood vessels.

Simple epithelium

Epithelial tissue that is one layer thick.

Stratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue that consists of multiple layers of cells.

Pseudostratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears to have multiple layers but is actually a single layer.

Transitional epithelium

Epithelial tissue that can stretch and change shape, found in the urinary bladder.

Goblet cell

A mucus-secreting cell found in epithelial tissue.

Mucin

A substance produced by goblet cells that, when mixed with water, forms mucus.

Fibroblast

A cell that produces fibers in connective tissue.

Collagen fibers

Strong fibers that provide strength to connective tissue.

Elastic fibers

Flexible fibers that allow connective tissue to stretch and return to shape.

Adipose tissue

Loose connective tissue that stores energy in the form of fat.

Lymph

A fluid connective tissue that helps transport substances and plays a role in immunity.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue composed of formed elements and plasma.

Skeletal muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue that striated and controls movements of the body.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue found in the heart that is striated and contracts rhythmically.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue that is non-striated and located in the walls of hollow organs.

Striated muscle

Muscle tissue with a banded appearance due to the arrangement of contractile proteins.

Intercalated discs

Specialized cell junctions found in cardiac muscle cells.

Neurons

Cells that transmit and receive nerve impulses.

Neuroglial cells

Supporting cells in nervous tissue that help modulate and support neurons.

Matrix

Extracellular material in connective tissue that surrounds and supports the cells.

Serous membranes

Membranes that line cavities and organs and secrete serous fluid to reduce friction.

Mucous membranes

Membranes that line body cavities and secrete mucus for lubrication.

Cutaneous membrane

The skin, which covers the entire surface of the body.

Sebaceous glands

Glands that produce sebum, an oily secretion that keeps the skin moist.

Lacunae

Spaces in bone or cartilage that contain cells.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage that provides support with some flexibility; found in joints, rib cage, and nose.

Fibrocartilage

A tough type of cartilage that contains thick bundles of collagen fibers; found in intervertebral discs.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage that contains elastic fibers, providing strength and elasticity; found in the ear.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells that maintain the bone matrix.

Adipocytes

Fat storage cells in adipose tissue.

Action potential

The nerve impulse that travels along a neuron.

Basement membrane

A thin layer that anchors epithelial tissue to the underlying connective tissue.

Cell junctions

Specialized connections between adjoining cells in epithelial tissue.

Apical surface

The surface of an epithelial cell that is exposed to the body exterior or cavity.

Serous fluid

Fluid secreted by serous membranes that reduces friction between organs.

Goblet cell

A type of exocrine gland cell that secretes mucus.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.