Cell Cycle and Histology Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the stages of the cell cycle, mitotic structures, tissue layer types, magnifications, anatomical locations, and associated cellular features.

Prophase

The cell cycle stage corresponding to the 'packaging' of genetic material.

Metaphase

The cell cycle stage where chromosomes line up in the 'middle' at the metaphase plate.

Anaphase

The cell cycle stage where sister chromatids pull 'apart'.

Telophase

The cell cycle stage resulting in 'two nucleus' structures.

Cleavage furrow

The constriction structure formed during cell division to divide the cell cytoplasm.

Spindle fibers

Microtubule structures that assist in pulling chromosomes apart during cell division.

Aster

A star-shaped cellular structure formed around the centrosome during cell division.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a single replicated chromosome joined together.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat cells, plausibly located in the lungs (shown at 250X magnification).

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells surrounding a central lumen, plausibly located in the kidney.

Lumen

The inner open space or cavity within a tubular organ or tissue structure, such as in the kidney.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A single layer of tall, column-shaped cells, plausibly located in the intestine (shown at 165x magnification).

Microvilli

Microscopic cellular membrane projections on simple columnar cells whose function is to increase the surface area.

Basement membrane

A thin, delicate membrane of protein fibers separating an epithelium from underlying connective tissue.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

A tissue type composed of a single layer of column-like cells that gives the appearance of multiple layers, plausibly located in the trachea (shown at 400X magnification).

Cilia

Hair-like structures located on the surface of specific epithelial cells.

Goblet cell

A specialized column-shaped cell found in respiratory and intestinal tracts that produces mucus.