Tissues: Epithelial and Connective – Module 2, Chapter 5 (Sections 5.1-5.3)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, cell types, junctions, tissues, glands, and connective tissue components from Module 2, Chapter 5 lecture notes on epithelial and connective tissues.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that perform a specialized function.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

One of the four major tissue types; tightly packed cells that cover body surfaces, line cavities, lack blood vessels, and regenerate rapidly.

Connective Tissue

One of the four major tissue types; cells spaced apart in an extracellular matrix that bind, support, protect, fill spaces, store fat, and produce blood cells.

Muscle Tissue

Major tissue type specialized for contraction and movement.

Nervous Tissue

Major tissue type specialized for communication via electrical impulses.

Tight Junction

Intercellular junction that fuses cell membranes to close space between cells; common in the digestive tract.

Desmosome

Intercellular junction forming spot welds between membranes; abundant in skin cells.

Gap Junction

Tubular channel connecting cells for communication; found in cardiac muscle.

Apical (Free) Surface

The exposed surface of an epithelial cell that faces the outside or an open internal space.

Basement Membrane

Thin layer anchoring epithelium to underlying connective tissue.

Squamous Cell

Thin, flat epithelial cell shape.

Cuboidal Cell

Cube-shaped epithelial cell.

Columnar Cell

Tall, column-like epithelial cell.

Simple Epithelium

Single layer of epithelial cells.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple layers of epithelial cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Appears layered, but all cells touch the basement membrane.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flat cells; enables diffusion/filtration in alveoli, capillaries, and serous membranes.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells; lines kidney tubules and glands.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells; lines digestive tract for absorption and secretion.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Ciliated, mucus-secreting epithelium lining the respiratory tract.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Many layers of flat cells; protects surfaces such as skin and mouth.

Stratified Cuboidal/Columnar Epithelium

Multiple layers of cube- or column-shaped cells; found in larger ducts and glands.

Transitional Epithelium

Stretchable epithelium lining the urinary bladder.

Gland

Structure of epithelial cells specialized to produce and secrete substances.

Endocrine Gland

Gland that secretes products into tissue fluid or blood; lacks ducts.

Exocrine Gland

Gland that releases secretions into ducts opening onto surfaces.

Merocrine Gland

Exocrine gland that releases fluid products by exocytosis (e.g., sweat glands).

Apocrine Gland

Exocrine gland that loses small portions of cytoplasm with secretion (e.g., mammary glands).

Holocrine Gland

Exocrine gland in which entire cells disintegrate to release product (e.g., sebaceous glands).

Extracellular Matrix

Non-living material (fibers + ground substance) surrounding connective tissue cells.

Fibroblast

Most common connective tissue cell; produces fibers and ground substance.

Macrophage

Phagocytic connective tissue cell that engulfs pathogens and debris.

Mast Cell

Connective tissue cell that releases histamine and heparin during inflammation/allergic reactions.

Collagen Fiber

Thick, strong connective tissue fiber providing tensile strength; abundant in tendons and ligaments.

Elastic Fiber

Stretchable fiber composed of elastin; found in vocal cords, lungs, and elastic arteries.

Reticular Fiber

Thin collagen fiber forming supportive networks in soft tissues.

Areolar Tissue

Loose connective tissue that binds organs; located beneath skin and between muscles.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue that stores fat, insulates, and cushions organs.

Reticular Tissue

Connective tissue with a network of reticular fibers supporting lymphatic organs.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Parallel collagen fibers providing strong attachment; forms tendons and ligaments.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Random collagen fibers that withstand tension; found in dermis of skin.

Elastic Connective Tissue

Connective tissue rich in elastic fibers; present in large arteries and lungs for stretch and recoil.

Cartilage

Specialized connective tissue with rigid matrix; avascular and flexible.

Chondrocyte

Mature cartilage cell occupying a lacuna.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common cartilage; covers ends of bones, forms nose and respiratory passages.

Elastic Cartilage

Flexible cartilage with elastic fibers; found in external ear and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

Tough cartilage with abundant collagen; forms intervertebral discs and pubic symphysis.

Bone (Osseous Tissue)

Rigid connective tissue with mineral salts and collagen; supports, protects, and houses marrow for blood cell formation.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue composed of cells in plasma; transports substances throughout body.

Erythrocyte (Red Blood Cell)

Blood cell that transports oxygen.

Leukocyte (White Blood Cell)

Blood cell that defends against infection.

Platelet (Thrombocyte)

Cell fragment from megakaryocytes; aids in blood clotting.