Anatomy and Physiology I: Exam Review (Cell Biology, Tissues, and Integumentary System)

Which membrane component contributes to the carbohydrate coat on the outer surface of a cell?

Glycolipids (along with glycoproteins, forming the glycocalyx)

How is a membrane protein classified if it spans the entire phospholipid bilayer?

Integral protein (or transmembrane protein)

What is the function of a symport transporter?

It moves two substances across a membrane simultaneously in the same direction.

Which passive transport process involves the movement of substances through a membrane channel down their concentration gradient?

Facilitated diffusion

How do hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solutions affect the direction of net water movement in an animal cell?

In a hypotonic solution, net water moves into the cell (causing swelling or lysis); in an isotonic solution, there is no net water movement; in a hypertonic solution, net water moves out of the cell (causing crenation or shrinkage).

What is the function and transport mechanism of the sodium-potassium ATPase pump?

It uses ATP to actively move sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell against their concentration gradients.

What is the term for the cellular uptake of a large solid particle by pseudopodia?

Phagocytosis

Are ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum classified as free ribosomes?

No; ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum are membrane-bound (or fixed) ribosomes, whereas free ribosomes float unattached in the cytosol.

Which organelle synthesizes most of the ATP in a typical aerobic human body cell?

Mitochondrion

What is the biological term for programmed cell death?

Apoptosis

How do transcription and translation differ regarding their templates and products?

Transcription uses a DNA template to synthesize an RNA molecule (such as mRNA); translation uses an mRNA template to synthesize a polypeptide or protein.

During which stage of mitosis do chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and new nuclear envelopes begin to form?

Telophase

Which primary tissue type covers body surfaces and lines hollow organs, body cavities, and ducts?

Epithelial tissue

Does epithelial tissue contain blood vessels within its cell layers?

No; epithelial tissue is avascular and receives nutrients via diffusion from underlying vascularized connective tissue.

What are the recognizing features, primary function, and example locations of simple squamous epithelium?

Features: A single thin layer of flattened cells with flattened nuclei. Function: Rapid diffusion or filtration. Locations: Alveoli of the lungs and lining of blood vessels (endothelium).

What are the recognizing features, primary function, and example locations of simple cuboidal epithelium?

Features: A single layer of cube-shaped cells with round, central nuclei, often surrounding a central lumen. Function: Secretion and absorption. Locations: Kidney tubules and small gland ducts.

What are the recognizing features, primary function, and example location of simple columnar epithelium?

Features: A single layer of tall cells with oval or elongated nuclei located near the basal surface, often containing goblet cells. Function: Absorption and secretion. Location: Lining of much of the gastrointestinal/digestive tract.

What are the recognizing features, primary function, and an example location of simple ciliated columnar epithelium?

Features: A single layer of tall columnar cells with cilia along the apical surface. Function: Movement of material along a surface. Location: Uterine (fallopian) tubes.

What are the structural features, function, and locations of transitional epithelium?

Features: Stratified epithelium whose surface cells are dome-shaped or rounded when relaxed and flatten when stretched. Function: Accommodates stretching while maintaining a protective barrier. Locations: Urinary bladder and ureters.

Why can an observer identify a squamous cell in a smear, but cannot assess the full layering pattern of the tissue?

A smear contains dispersed, exfoliated cells rather than an intact, cross-sectional tissue slice, meaning the full stratification and basement membrane relationships are not preserved.

What is the primary function of stratified squamous epithelium, and where are its keratinized and nonkeratinized varieties found?

Function: Protection against mechanical abrasion. Keratinized location: Epidermis of the skin. Nonkeratinized locations: Oral cavity and esophagus.

How do endocrine and exocrine glands differ in terms of ducts and secretion destination?

Endocrine glands lack ducts and secrete products (hormones) directly into interstitial fluid and the bloodstream (e.g., thyroid gland); exocrine glands possess ducts that deliver secretions onto an epithelial surface or into a lumen (e.g., sweat glands or salivary glands).

Which mode of exocrine gland secretion involves the rupture and total disintegration of the entire secretory cell?

Holocrine secretion (e.g., sebaceous glands)

What is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing high tensile strength to connective tissues?

Collagen

What are the recognizing features, function, and locations of mammal areolar connective tissue?

Features: Loosely organized matrix containing thicker collagen fibers, thinner elastic fibers, and scattered fibroblast nuclei. Function: Binds and cushions organs and tissues. Locations: Directly beneath epithelia (papillary dermis) and surrounding neurovascular bundles.

What are the microscopic features, function, and locations of reticular connective tissue?

Features: A branching network of dark, fine reticular fibers accompanied by abundant, closely packed lymphocytes or blood cells. Function: Forms a supportive structural framework (stroma). Locations: Lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.

What are the recognizing features, function, and locations of elastic connective tissue?

Features: Densely packed, wavy elastic fibers or sheets. Function: Provides stretch and elastic recoil. Locations: Walls of large elastic arteries (such as the aorta) and elastic ligaments.

What are the microscopic features, function, and locations of hyaline cartilage?

Features: Chondrocytes housed within spaces called lacunae