Chapter 1-8: Introduction to Tissues

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary terms and definitions related to the study of tissues in biological systems.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

Connective tissue

Tissue that supports and connects other tissues.

Muscle tissue

Tissue that is responsible for movement.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that transmits signals throughout the body.

Avascular

Lacking a blood supply.

Simple squamous epithelium

Single layer of flat cells, found in areas like the lining of lungs.

Stratified epithelium

Multiple layers of cells, providing more protection.

Cuboidal epithelium

Cube-shaped cells, often involved in secretion.

Columnar epithelium

Tall, column-like cells, often found in areas requiring absorption.

Goblet cells

Cells that produce mucus in certain epithelial tissues.

Pseudostratified epithelium

Appears stratified but is a single layer of different cell heights.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Multiple layers of flat cells, primarily for protection.

Skeletal muscle

Striated muscle tissue under voluntary control.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue found only in the heart.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue found in hollow organs.

Striations

Alternating light and dark bands seen in skeletal muscle.

Multinucleate

Having multiple nuclei per cell.

Intercalated discs

Joining points between cardiac muscle cells for efficient contraction.

Neurons

Functional cells of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in the nervous system.

Matrix (in connective tissue)

Material surrounding cells that provides support.

Collagen fibers

Strong, structural fibers found in many connective tissues.

Adipose tissue

Connective tissue specialized in storing fat.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune responses.

Platelets (thrombocytes)

Cell fragments involved in blood clotting.

Osteocytes

Bone cells found within lacunae of bone tissue.

Hyaline cartilage

Cartilage that provides support with some flexibility, found in ribs and nose.

Fibrocartilage

Cartilage with many fibers, found in intervertebral discs.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage that is more flexible, found in structures like the ear.

Perichondrium

Connective tissue layer surrounding cartilage.

Canaliculi

Microscopic canals in bone that connect lacunae.

Stratum corneum

Outer layer of skin, composed of dead cells.

Stratum basale

Deepest layer of the epidermis, where new skin cells form.