Check Yourself Without Looking - Histology and Integumentary System Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice cards covering tissue types, histological terminology, epidermal cells and layers, dermis regions, hair types, and graft types from the 11 Check Yourself Without Looking review list.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues and how they are arranged into organs.

Tissue

A group of similar cells and extracellular matrix that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissue types working together to carry out specialized functions.

Apical Surface

The upper or free surface of an epithelial tissue that faces an internal cavity, lumen, or external body surface.

Basal Surface

The deep surface of an epithelial tissue attached to the underlying basement membrane.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Epithelial tissue consisting of a single layer of cube-shaped cells specialized for absorption and secretion.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Epithelial tissue consisting of multiple layers of flattened cells that protect underlying tissues from wear and abrasion.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Epithelial tissue consisting of a single layer of thin, flat cells specialized for rapid exchange and diffusion of materials.

Transitional Epithelium

Stratified epithelium with cells capable of changing shape and stretching, lining distensible organs like the urinary bladder.

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Tissue

Stratified squamous epithelium topped with dead, keratin-packed cells forming a durable, water-resistant surface layer.

Nonkeratinized Stratified Squamous Tissue

Stratified squamous epithelium lacking dead surface cells, providing an abrasion-resistant, moist lining.

Collagen Fibers

Tough, flexible, and stretch-resistant connective tissue fibers that provide high tensile strength.

Elastic Fibers

Connective tissue fibers composed of elastin that allow tissues to stretch and recoil back to shape.

Reticular Fibers

Thin collagenous fibers coated with glycoprotein forming a branched, spongelike framework for soft organs.

White Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue specialized for energy storage, mechanical cushioning, and thermal insulation.

Brown Adipose Tissue

Heat-generating adipose tissue abundant in fetal and infant development, packed with mitochondria.

Central Canal

The core longitudinal channel of an osteon in compact bone containing blood vessels and nerves.

Osteocyte

A mature bone cell residing within a lacuna that maintains surrounding bone tissue.

Plasma

The liquid extracellular matrix component of blood that carries nutrients, wastes, and proteins.

Formed Elements

The membrane-enclosed cellular components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Neuron

A nerve cell specialized for generating, processing, and conducting electrical and chemical signals.

Glial Cell

A non-neuronal supportive cell in nervous tissue that protects, nourishes, and assists neurons.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells capable of developing into any cell type of the embryonic body.

Multipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells capable of differentiating into a limited range of related cell types within a tissue class.

Unipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into only one mature cell type.

Epidermis

The superficial epithelial layer of the skin composed of keratinized stratified squamous tissue.

Dermis

The deep connective tissue layer of the skin lying beneath the epidermis.

Hypodermis

The subcutaneous layer of connective tissue beneath the dermis consisting mainly of adipose and areolar tissue.

Keratinocyte

The main cell type of the epidermis responsible for producing keratin.

Melanocyte

An epidermal cell that synthesizes melanin pigment to protect tissues from ultraviolet radiation.

Papillary Dermis

The thin, superficial region of the dermis composed of loose areolar connective tissue containing dermal papillae.

Reticular Dermis

The deeper, thicker region of the dermis composed of dense irregular connective tissue providing structural support.

Dermal Papillae

Upward fingerlike projections of the dermis that interlock with epidermal ridges to anchor skin layers.

Lanugo Hair

Fine, unpigmented hair present on the human fetus during the last trimester of development.

Vellus Hair

Fine, pale hair that replaces lanugo hair and covers most of the human body surface.

Terminal Hair

Coarse, longer, and pigmented hair found on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and post-pubertal skin.

Autograft

A tissue graft transplanted from one location to another on the same individual.

Isograft

A tissue graft transplanted between genetically identical individuals, such as identical twins.

Allograft

A tissue graft transplanted between genetically distinct individuals of the same species.

Xenograft

A tissue graft transplanted from an animal of one species to a recipient of a different species.

Artificial Skin

A synthetic or engineered tissue matrix used as a temporary or permanent graft cover for severe skin injuries.