General Biology 1 – Lesson 5: Classifying Different Cell Types (Plant and Animal Tissue)

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms related to plant and animal tissues, their cell types, and functions from Lesson 5.

Tissue

A group of cells with similar structure that work together to perform a specific function.

Histology

The scientific, microscopic study of the structure of biological tissues using staining and microscopy.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which an unspecialized cell changes into a specialized cell type through major gene-expression modifications.

Stem Cell

A special human cell capable of developing into many different cell types such as muscle, blood, nerve, and more.

Plant Tissue System

The organized arrangement of different cell types that make up roots, stems, and leaves of plants.

Animal Tissue System

The four major tissue categories in animals: epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

A protective layer that covers body surfaces and lines cavities, also secreting substances to prevent water loss.

Simple Epithelium

Epithelial tissue made of a single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of multiple cell layers for added protection.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Single-layered epithelial tissue whose nuclei appear at different levels, giving a false impression of layering.

Squamous Cells

Flat, tile-like epithelial cells specialized for diffusion or protection.

Cuboidal Cells

Dice-shaped epithelial cells involved in secretion or absorption.

Columnar Cells

Brick-like epithelial cells specialized for absorption and secretion.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

One layer of flat cells that allows gas and nutrient exchange in blood vessels and air sacs of lungs.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

One layer of cube-shaped cells important for secretion in glands and diffusion in kidney tubules.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

One layer of tall cells lining digestive organs to absorb nutrients from digested food.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of flat cells providing protection against abrasion and drying.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells that protect and secrete in ducts such as sweat glands.

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Multiple layers of tall cells providing protection and mucous secretion.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Ciliated tissue lining the trachea; secretes mucus and moves it with cilia.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue specialized for movement and heat generation; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth types.

Skeletal Muscle

Striated, voluntary muscle that moves the skeleton and facial tissues.

Smooth Muscle

Non-striated, involuntary muscle that moves substances such as food through the gastrointestinal tract.

Cardiac Muscle

Striated muscle with intercalated disks; involuntarily pumps blood through the heart.

Connective Tissue

The most abundant animal tissue; supports, anchors, and connects body parts.

Fibroblast

The common connective-tissue cell that synthesizes collagen and extracellular matrix.

Loose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue with loosely arranged fibers, providing cushioning and elasticity under skin and around organs.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue where chondrocytes reside in lacunae within a firm extracellular matrix.

Chondrocyte

The cartilage cell that secretes chondroitin sulfate and maintains cartilage matrix.

Osteon

The concentric, onion-like structural unit of compact bone surrounding a central canal.

Bone (Osseous Tissue)

Hard, mineralized connective tissue that supports the body, enables movement, and stores minerals.

Adipose Tissue

Loose connective tissue composed mainly of adipocytes; stores energy, insulates, and cushions organs.

Adipocyte

A fat cell specialized for the storage of triglycerides in adipose tissue.

Blood (as a Tissue)

Connective tissue with erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets that transports gases, nutrients, wastes, and hormones.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue containing neurons that transmit electrical impulses to coordinate responses in the body.

Neuron

The functional cell of nervous tissue that processes and transmits information via electrical signals.

Dendrite

Branched neuronal process that brings information toward the cell body.

Axon

Long neuronal process that carries information away from the cell body.

Synapse

The junction where a neuron communicates with another cell via electrical or chemical signals.