Structure and Function of the Human Body ASE109 Lecture Notes (Wk 1)

These flashcards cover essential concepts in the study of human tissues, including classifications, structures, and functions related to connective, muscular, nervous, and epithelial tissues.

What is a tissue?

A collection of specialized cells of the same type that perform a common function in the body.

How many major tissue types are there in the body?

There are four major tissue types: connective, muscular, nervous, and epithelial.

What are the biological levels of organization from simplest to most complex?

Cells combine to form tissues, which combine to form organs, which combine to form organ systems.

What function do connective tissues serve?

Connective tissues bind and support body parts.

What is the primary function of muscular tissue?

To move the body and its parts.

What does nervous tissue do?

Conducts nerve impulses.

What is the basic unit of life?

The cell.

What are the three main components of connective tissue?

Specialized cells, ground substance, and protein fibers.

Name the three types of protein fibers found in connective tissue.

Collagen fibers, reticular fibers, and elastic fibers.

How does adipose tissue serve the body?

It stores energy, provides insulation, and offers cushioning.

What are the main types of connective tissue?

Fibrous, supportive, and fluid.

What distinguishes fibrocartilage from hyaline cartilage?

Fibrocartilage contains strong collagen fibers, while hyaline cartilage consists of fine collagen fibers.

What is the characteristic of bone tissue?

It is the most rigid connective tissue and has a matrix made of collagen and calcium salts.

What are red blood cells responsible for?

Transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Where is smooth muscle found?

In blood vessel walls and the walls of the digestive tract.

What is the main function of cardiac muscle?

To pump blood throughout the body.

What part of a neuron receives input?

Dendrites.

What are neuroglia?

Supportive cells that nourish neurons.

How is epithelial tissue categorized?

By the number of layers and the shape of the cells.

What is the function of epithelial cells in the body?

To protect, cover surfaces, and line cavities.

What type of epithelium is made of a single layer of cells?

Simple epithelium.

What is unique about pseudostratified epithelial tissue?

It appears stratified but is a single layer where every cell touches the basement membrane.

Where is simple squamous epithelium commonly found?

In areas of gas exchange, such as the lungs.

What type of cells are found in glandular epithelium?

Columnar and pseudostratified epithelial cells specialized for secretion.

What is the role of transitional epithelium?

To change shape in response to tension, allowing for stretching.

What is the function of adipose tissue?

Energy storage, insulation, and cushioning.

What separates the basement membrane from epithelial cells?

Connective tissue.

What are the two types of fluid connective tissue?

Blood and lymph.

What is the main component of blood plasma?

Approximately 92% water.

What are the formed elements of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What is the purpose of lymphatic vessels?

To absorb excess interstitial fluid and return lymph to the cardiovascular system.

What type of muscle tissue is striated and voluntary?

Skeletal muscle.

What distinguishes cardiac muscle from skeletal muscle?

Cardiac muscle cells are branched and have intercalated discs.

What are the supportive cells of neurons called?

Neuroglia.

Identify the three main functions of nervous tissue.

Sensory input, integration, and motor output.

What is the term for bundles of axons?

Nerves.

How does the structure of epithelial tissue relate to its function?

Its structure allows it to protect and facilitate absorption and secretion.

What is the role of collagen fibers in connective tissue?

To provide strength and support.

Where is hyaline cartilage found in the body?

At the tips of the nose, ends of long bones, and in the fetal skeleton.

What are osteoblasts and osteoclasts?

Cells responsible for forming and resorbing bone matrix.

What is the function of the axon in a neuron?

To conduct nerve impulses away from the cell body.

What does the term 'extracellular matrix' refer to?

The noncellular gel-like material that fills spaces between cells in connective tissue.

In what part of the body would you find stratified squamous epithelium?

In areas subject to friction, like the skin surface.

What does connective tissue provide for organs?

Support and protection.

What is the function of elastic fibers?

To allow tissues to stretch and recoil.

Describe a characteristic of smooth muscle cells.

They are spindle-shaped with a single nucleus.