Histology and Tissue Types

Vocabulary flashcards covering connective tissues (areolar, dense, cartilages, bone, blood) and muscle tissues based on the provided lecture notes.

Areolar Connective Tissue

A type of tissue consisting of all three fiber types in a gel-like matrix that supports and cushions organs, acts as a packing material, and functions in inflammation and phagocytizing bacteria.

Dense Connective Tissue

A category of tissue, also called fibrous connective tissues, that includes dense regular, dense irregular, and elastic connective tissues.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

A tissue with many collagenous fibers in tightly packed parallel bundles, few elastic fibers, and few cells (primarily fibroblasts); it makes up tendons and ligaments and heals slowly due to a poor blood supply.

Tendons

Structures composed of dense regular connective tissue that connect muscles to bones.

Ligaments

Structures composed of dense regular connective tissue that connect bones to bones.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

A tissue similar to dense regular connective tissue, but with fibers running in random directions with spaces between them, which forms joint capsules.

Elastic Connective Tissue

A tissue consisting primarily of yellow elastic fibers that provides elasticity (ability to stretch and snap back), found in attachments between vertebrae and in walls of hollow internal organs.

Perichondrium

A fibrous connective tissue covering that encloses a cartilaginous structure.

Chondrocytes

Cartilage cells that lie in lacunae and are surrounded by matrix.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common cartilage type, composed of very fine collagenous fibers, located at the ends of bones, the nose, and the trachea.

Fibrocartilage

A very tough cartilage containing many collagenous fibers with a wavy appearance that acts as a shock absorber in the vertebrae and knees.

Elastic Cartilage

A type of cartilage containing many elastic fibers (usually stained dark) found in the external ears and larynx.

Bone

The most rigid connective tissue, containing collagen and mineral salts in its matrix, which provides support, protection, attachment for muscles, and houses red bone marrow.

Red Bone Marrow

A substance found within bones that forms red blood cells.

Blood

A connective tissue formed in red marrow consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets suspended in blood plasma.

Muscle Tissue Function

To contract, enabling the movement of structures such as bones, food, or blood.

Skeletal Muscle

A voluntary, consciously controlled muscle tissue featuring striations and multiple nuclei per cell, which contracts and relaxes upon nerve fiber stimulation.

Smooth Muscle

An involuntary, non-striated muscle tissue with single-nucleated cells located in the walls of hollow internal organs that contracts automatically to move substances.