Cells and Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of cell structures, cell types, functions, tissue classifications, and body membranes from the Cells and Tissues lecture.

Cell

The basic living unit and smallest functional component of the human body, which determines the body's form and functions.

Tissue

A group of cells that have similar structure and function together as a unit.

Organs

Structures formed when different tissues are combined together, such as the heart and brain.

Systems

Groups of organs that work together to support the function of the human body.

Stem cells

The body's master cells from which all other cells arise, capable of dividing and replicating for long periods to maintain and repair tissue.

Cell differentiation

The process that allows stem cells to transform into any kind of cell.

Red Blood Cells

The most common type of cell in the body, responsible for transporting oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients.

White Blood Cells

Cells that detect and fight disease, infection, and inflammation, and assist the immune system in seeing foreign substances.

Skin cells

Cells that form a protective barrier against germs, UV rays, and water loss.

Bone cells

The cells that make up bone tissue.

Nerve cells

Also known as neurons, these are the basic building blocks of the nervous system.

Functions of the Cell

The primary activities of a cell, including cell metabolism and energy use, synthesis of molecules, communication, and reproduction and inheritance.

Four Main Types of Tissues

Nervous tissue, muscle tissue, connective tissue, and epithelial tissue.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue made up of neurons that form the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, specialized to respond to stimuli and rapidly transmit signals.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue composed of single or multiple layers of tightly packed cells that line body surfaces, with skin being the largest example.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that forms actively controlled muscles and most internal organs, categorized into skeletal, cardiac, and smooth types.

Contractility

A unique property common to all three types of muscle tissue, defined as the ability of cells to shorten and generate force.

Connective Tissue

The most abundant tissue type in the body, responsible for connecting, supporting, or separating other tissues and organs.

Connective tissue proper

A specific form of connective tissue that can be categorized as either loose or dense.

Body membranes

Thin sheets of tissue that cover the body, line body cavities, and cover organs within cavities, categorized into epithelial and connective tissue membranes.