BIOL 2401 Chapter 5: The Tissue Level of Organization

A set of 15 vocabulary flashcards covering the introductory concepts and epithelial tissue characteristics from BIOL 2401 Chapter 5.

Tissues

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a common function.

Histology

The study of Tissues.

Epithelial tissue

Primary tissue type that covers body surfaces and lines hollow organs, body cavities, and ducts, and also forms glands.

Connective tissue

Primary tissue type that protects and supports the body and its organs.

Muscle tissue

Primary tissue type composed of cells specialized for contraction and generation of force.

Nervous tissue

Primary tissue type that detects changes in a variety of conditions inside and outside the body and responds by generating electrical signals called action potentials.

Action potentials

Electrical signals (nerve impulses) generated by nervous tissue that activate muscular contractions and glandular secretions.

Matrix

The extracellular substance surrounding the cells in a tissue.

Epithelia

Layers of cells that cover external or line internal surfaces.

Glandular tissue

Structures (glands) that produce fluid secretions.

Physical Protection

An essential function of epithelial tissue that protects from abrasion, infection, and dehydration.

Control Permeability

An essential function of epithelial tissue for absorption, filtration, and secretions of nutrients and wastes.

Cellularity

A characteristic of epithelial tissue describing its composition of tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix.

Polarity

A characteristic of epithelial tissue representing structural and functional differences between the exposed and attached surfaces.

Apical surface

The exposed surface of epithelial tissue facing the external environment or an internal space.