Histology
The study of tissues.
Connective Tissue (CT)
The most diverse, abundant tissue designed to support, protect, and bind organs.
Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
Composed of protein fibers and ground substance, it is produced by connective tissue cells.
Fibroblasts
Resident cells that produce fibers and ground substance of the extracellular matrix.
Adipocytes
Cells that dominate adipose connective tissue, often forming clusters.
Chondrocytes
Cartilage cells located in lacunae.
Osteocytes
Bone cells housed within lacunae in the extracellular matrix.
Muscle Tissue
Tissue that can contract in response to stimulation by the nervous system.
Nervous Tissue
Tissue consisting of neurons that transmit nerve impulses and glial cells that support and protect them.
Mucous Membrane
Lines compartments that open to the external environment and serves protective and secretory functions.
Serous Membrane
Lines body cavities that do not open to the external environment, composed of mesothelium.
Perichondrium
Dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds cartilage.
Tendons and Ligaments
Examples of connective tissue that bind and support structures in the body.
Ground Substance
Nonliving material produced by connective tissue cells; combined with protein fibers forms the extracellular matrix.
Elastic Fibers
Fibers that stretch and recoil easily, found in skin, lungs, and arteries.
Reticular Fibers
Fibers that form a branched, interwoven framework, providing support in lymphatic organs.
Visceral Muscle
Involuntary muscle that moves materials through internal organs.
Fill in the blank: The basic unit of life is called a _______.
cell.
Fill in the blank: The process by which green plants make their own food using sunlight is called _______.
photosynthesis.
Fill in the blank: The organ system responsible for transporting blood throughout the body is the _______ system.
circulatory.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the largest organ in the human body.
skin.
Fill in the blank: DNA stands for _______.
deoxyribonucleic acid.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for controlling the body's responses to internal and external stimuli.
nervous system.
Fill in the blank: The skeleton is made up of _______ bones in an adult human.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the organ responsible for detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs.
liver.
Fill in the blank: The _______ system is essential for gas exchange in the body.
respiratory.
Fill in the blank: The smallest unit of an element is called an _______.
atom.
Homeostasis
The process by which a living organism regulates its internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions.
Electrolytes
Ions in body fluids that help conduct electricity and are essential for various physiological functions.
Enzymes
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism.
Osmosis
The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
Antigen
A substance that triggers an immune response, often a foreign pathogen.
Antibody
A protein produced by the immune system to neutralize or destroy antigens.
Hormone
Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate physiological processes.
Metaphysis
The region of a long bone between the epiphysis and the diaphysis.
Neurotransmitter
A chemical that transmits signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death that is a normal part of growth and development.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
The primary energy carrier in living organisms.
Microorganism
A microscopic organism, which may be single-celled or multicellular.
Pathogen
An organism that causes disease in its host.
Cell Membrane
A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment.
Ribosome
A cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs.
Chromosome
A thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins that carry genetic information.
Allele
Different versions of a gene that may exist at a given locus on a chromosome.
Genotype
The genetic constitution of an organism.
Phenotype
The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by its genotype.
Transcription
The process by which the genetic code from DNA is copied into RNA.
Translation
The process in which ribosomes create proteins based on the sequence of mRNA.
Vaccine
A substance that stimulates the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens.
Innate Immunity
The non-specific first line of defense against pathogens present at birth.
Acquired Immunity
Specific immunity that develops after exposure to a pathogen or vaccination.
Circulatory System
The organ system responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes in the body.
Respiratory System
The organ system involved in the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) with the environment.
Disease
A disorder of structure or function in a living organism that produces specific symptoms.
Prokaryote
A single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryote
A cell that possesses a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Homeotic Genes
Genes that regulate the development of anatomical structures in various organisms.
What is histology?
The study of tissues.
What are connective tissues designed to do?
Support, protect, and bind organs.
What makes up the extracellular matrix?
Protein fibers and ground substance.
What do fibroblasts produce?
Fibers and ground substance of the extracellular matrix.
What type of cells dominate adipose connective tissue?
Adipocytes.
Where are chondrocytes found?
In lacunae within cartilage.
What role do osteocytes play in the body?
They are bone cells housed within lacunae.
What is the function of muscle tissue?
To contract in response to stimulation.
What is nervous tissue composed of?
Neurons that transmit nerve impulses and glial cells that support them.
What does a mucous membrane do?
Lines compartments that open to the external environment.
What is the function of the serous membrane?
Lines body cavities that do not open to the external environment.
What is the perichondrium?
Dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds cartilage.
What are two examples of connective tissue?
Tendons and ligaments.
What is the ground substance in connective tissues?
Nonliving material that combines with protein fibers to form the extracellular matrix.
What types of fibers stretch and recoil easily?
Elastic fibers.