Histology and Epithelial Tissue Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering introductory histology, four major body tissues, characteristics of epithelial tissues, and epithelial classification by cell shape and structure.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Cells

The basic unit of structure and function, which are arranged in tissues that work together to perform specific functions for the body.

Four Major Tissue Types

The main categories of tissues in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

Types of Epithelial Tissue

The two primary functional groupings of epithelial tissue: 1. covering and lining, and 2. glandular.

Free (apical) Surface

The exposed surface of epithelial tissue.

Basement Membrane

A thin, nonliving layer to which epithelial tissues are anchored.

Epithelial Tissue Nutrition

Because epithelial tissues lack blood vessels, nutrients diffuse to them from underlying connective tissue.

Epithelial Cell Division

Epithelial cells divide frequently to heal injuries and replace tissue that is damaged, injured, or continually lost.

Protective Barriers

Structures formed by tightly packed epithelial cells.

Squamous Epithelia

Epithelial cells that are thin and flat.

Cuboidal Epithelia

Epithelial cells that are square shaped.

Types of Epithelium

Classifications of epithelia including transitional, simple squamous, simple cuboidal, simple columnar, stratified squamous, stratified cuboidal, and pseudostratified columnar.