Histology and Tissue Types Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue types, structures, cell types, dermal layers, and membrane functions.

Goblet Cell

A unicellular exocrine gland that secretes mucus through a duct or onto a surface rather than releasing hormones straight into the bloodstream.

Holocrine Glands

Glands, such as sebaceous glands, where the entire cell fills up with secretory products and then ruptures or bursts to release its oily secretion, destroying the cell in the process.

Fibroblasts

Connective tissue cells that build and secrete the fibers and ground substance of the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Macrophages

Immune cells in connective tissue that engulf and destroy bacteria and cellular debris.

Mast Cells

Cells in connective tissue that release chemicals like histamine to trigger inflammation during injury or allergy.

Adipocytes

Fat cells in connective tissue that store energy as fat and insulate the body.

Areolar Connective Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that cushions organs and wraps around blood vessels and nerves.

Adipose Tissue

A type of connective tissue that stores fat, insulates against heat loss, and protects organs.

Reticular Connective Tissue

A type of connective tissue that forms a soft internal skeleton (stroma) that supports lymph nodes and the spleen.

Collagen Fibers

Thick, strong, and flexible extracellular matrix protein fibers that can resist pulling forces.

Elastic Fibers

Thin and stretchy extracellular matrix protein fibers that can stretch and snap back to their original shape like a rubber band.

Reticular Fibers

Short, fine, highly branched collagen-like fibers that form a supportive, net-like framework for organs.

Tight Junctions

Waterproof seals between cells (like in the lining of the stomach) that stop leaks.

Desmosomes

Spot welds that hold cells tightly together under mechanical stress (like skin cells).

Gap Junctions

Tunnel-like channels that allow small molecules and electrical signals to pass directly from cell to cell (found in heart muscle).

Stratum Corneum

The surface layer of the epidermis consisting of a tough layer of dead, flat, keratin-filled cells that slough off and provide a durable protective barrier.

Papillary Layer

The upper layer of the dermis made of loose areolar connective tissue that forms dermal papillae (which create fingerprints) and houses touch receptors.

Reticular Layer

The deeper, thicker layer of the dermis made of dense irregular connective tissue that gives skin its strength and elasticity, and houses hair follicles, glands, and blood vessels.

Excitable Cells

Cells, such as myocytes and neurons, that can respond to environmental changes by producing electrical signals (action potentials).

Skeletal Muscle

Muscle tissue attached to bones that produces voluntary movement.

Cardiac Muscle

Muscle tissue found in the walls of the heart that produces involuntary movement.

Smooth Muscle

Muscle tissue found in the walls of hollow internal organs (such as the stomach and blood vessels) that produces involuntary movement.

Neurons

Cells found in nervous tissue that transmit electrical impulses.

Neuroglia

Glial cells found in nervous tissue that support, protect, and nourish neurons.

Serous Membranes

Membranes lined with epithelial cells that secrete watery serous fluid to reduce friction.

Synovial Membranes

Membranes containing synoviocytes that secrete slippery synovial fluid into joint cavities to reduce friction.

Mucous Membranes

Membranes composed of an epithelial layer sitting on top of loose connective tissue that line body cavities opening directly to the outside world, secreting mucus to trap particles, lubricate, and protect underlying tissues.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Epithelial tissue found in the air sacs of lungs and lining of blood vessels that allows for fast diffusion and filtration.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Epithelial tissue found lining the digestive tract (stomach and intestines).

Stratified Squamous Epithelium (Keratinized)

Epithelial tissue that forms the outer layer of the skin.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Epithelial tissue found in sweat gland ducts and salivary gland ducts.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelial tissue found in the urinary bladder and ureters that allows stretching.