Histology Lab & Integumentary System Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues, as well as the structures and layers of the integumentary system.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Flat, thin cells; functions in diffusion; located in the lungs (alveoli).

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Cube-shaped cells around circular spaces; functions in absorption & secretion; located in kidney tubules.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Tall, rectangular cells with nuclei near the bottom; functions in absorption; located in the digestive tract.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears layered but is fake layers; functions in secretion; located in the trachea.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Many layers with flat cells on top; functions in protection; located in the skin.

Transitional Epithelium

Dome-shaped cells that transition shape; functions in stretching; located in the bladder/ureters.

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose, spiderweb-like appearance; wraps & cushions organs; located under epithelia.

Adipose Connective Tissue

Large empty bubbles that store fat; located under the skin.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Fibers running in one direction; provides strong attachment; located in tendons and ligaments.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Fibers running in many directions (chaotic); provides strength; located in the dermis.

Blood Connective Tissue

Tiny cells floating in a plasma background; functions in transport; located in blood vessels.

Hyaline Cartilage

Smooth, glassy appearance with holes called lacunae; functions in support; located in the trachea.

Elastic Cartilage

Dark fibers throughout; functions in flexibility; located in the ear.

Fibrocartilage

Thick fibers in rows; functions in absorption; located in bones.

Compact Bone

Appearance of tree rings or bullseyes; functions in support & protection; located in bones.

Skeletal Muscle

Long, striated, multinucleated, and voluntary; functions in movement; attached to bones.

Cardiac Muscle

Branched, striated with 1-2 nuclei, and involuntary; pumps blood; located in the heart.

Smooth Muscle

No stripes, spindle-shaped, and involuntary; moves substances; located in hollow organs.

Nervous Tissue

Neuron cell body with branches; functions in communication; located in the brain and spinal cord.

Stratum Basale

The deepest layer of the epidermis consisting of a single row of cells; makes new skin cells.

Stratum Spinosum

Spiky-looking cells providing strength & flexibility.

Stratum Granulosum

Dark, grainy layer where keratin production occurs.

Stratum Lucidum

Thin, clear, translucent layer found only in thick skin like palms and soles.

Stratum Corneum

The top flaky layer of dead cells providing protection.

Papillary Layer

Superficial layer of the dermis composed of loose connective tissue; contains Meissner corpuscles.

Reticular Layer

Deep layer of the dermis composed of dense irregular connective tissue; contains hair follicles, glands, and Pacinian corpuscles.

Meissner Corpuscle

Small, oval-shaped sensory receptor located in the papillary layer that detects light touch.

Pacinian Corpuscle

Large, onion-like ring receptor located deep in the dermis/hypodermis that detects deep pressure.

Eccrine Sweat Gland

Also called merocrine; simple coiled tube opening directly to the skin surface (pore) for cooling sweat.

Apocrine Sweat Gland

Opens into hair follicle and becomes active at puberty; functions in scent/stress sweat.

Sebaceous Gland

Grape-like clusters attached to hair follicles that produce oil called sebum.

Eponychium

Also known as the cuticle; protects the nail matrix.

Lunula

The visible part of the nail matrix appearing as a white crescent.

Nail Body

The hard nail plate that is visible.

Nail Root

Located under the skin; produces nail cells.

Hyponychium

Located under the nail; seals the nail bed.

Hair Matrix

The growth zone of the hair.

Hair Papilla

Connects to blood vessels to nourish the hair.