Basic Tissues & Cells – Chapter 17 / Chapter 6 Review

Seventy Question-and-Answer flashcards reviewing cell structure, organelles, epithelial classifications, gland development, connective tissue types, cartilage, bone, blood, muscle, and nervous system concepts for Chapters 17 and 6.

What is the typical diameter range of a human cell?

Approximately 0.01–0.05 mm.

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

To keep cellular fluid in and foreign materials out.

Where is DNA primarily located within the cell?

Inside the nucleus, packaged in chromosomes.

What is the role of RNA in the cell?

It carries genetic information from DNA to the cell’s manufacturing sites.

What are organelles?

Small functioning parts of a cell that keep it alive and enable its activities.

Which organelle is responsible for cellular energy production?

The mitochondrion.

What are the folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane called?

Cristae.

Why are enzymes on cristae important?

They aid in cellular energy metabolism.

What distinguishes rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)?

RER has ribosomes (RNA granules) on its surface for protein synthesis.

What distinguishes smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)?

SER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid and carbohydrate synthesis.

What is the primary function of the Golgi apparatus?

Packaging and shipping protein secretions inside and outside the cell.

Which organelle digests foreign bodies and dead organelles?

The lysosome.

What happens if lysosomal enzymes leak into the cytoplasm?

They can consume (autolyze) the entire cell.

Which structures help a cell maintain its shape?

Microtubules and microfilaments.

What is the role of centrioles during mitosis?

They aid in chromosome alignment by organizing microtubules.

Define epithelial tissue.

A group of cells forming the skin and lining the interior of body tubes and cavities.

From which tissue type do glands originate?

Epithelium.

What is the difference between simple and stratified epithelium?

Simple has one cell layer; stratified has multiple layers.

In epithelium, what does the term "squamous" mean?

Flat or plate-like in shape.

What is the chief function of simple squamous epithelium?

Facilitating rapid exchange of gases or materials, e.g., in lung capillaries.

Name two types of simple squamous cells and their locations.

Endothelial (lines blood and lymph vessels, heart) and mesothelial (lines body cavities).

Where is simple cuboidal epithelium commonly found?

Kidneys, glands, and respiratory passages.

What is the function of cilia on respiratory epithelium?

They trap and move contaminants out of the airway.

What is the main function of simple columnar epithelium?

Absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract.

Why is pseudostratified columnar epithelium called "falsely layered"?

All cells contact the basement membrane but vary in height, giving a multilayered appearance.

Which epithelium type is most common in the body?

Stratified squamous epithelium.

Which cells produce the pigment melanin?

Melanocytes.

How does melanin production differ between dark-skinned individuals and albinos?

Darker skin has more active melanocytes; albinos lack functional melanin production.

How do exocrine glands release their products?

Through ducts to an epithelial surface.

How do endocrine glands release their products?

Directly into the bloodstream; they lack ducts.

What are acini in glandular tissue?

Bulblike secretory ends of glandular tubes.

What is a simple tubular gland?

An exocrine gland with an unbranched, straight duct.

List the three salivary secretion types.

Serous, mucous, and seromucous (mixed).

Which embryonic layer forms the epidermis and central nervous system?

Ectoderm.

Which embryonic layer forms the digestive tract epithelium and respiratory lining?

Endoderm.

Which embryonic layer forms most connective tissue, bone, and cartilage?

Mesoderm.

Name the two broad divisions of connective tissue.

Connective tissue proper and specialized connective tissue.

Where is loose connective tissue found?

In superficial and deep fascia supporting organs.

What components make up loose connective tissue?

Collagen, elastic fibers, fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells.

What is mucous connective tissue composed of and where is it found?

Mainly fibroblasts and collagen; present in umbilical cord and vocal cords.

Where is elastic connective tissue located?

In vocal cords, supporting tissues, and spinal ligaments.

What is the role of reticular tissue?

It forms the structural framework of certain organs.

What cells are found in cartilage?

Chondroblasts and chondrocytes.

Name the three types of cartilage and one location for each.

Hyaline (larynx/trachea), elastic (ear/epiglottis), fibrous (TMJ, intervertebral discs).

Approximately what percentage of bone is hydroxyapatite?

About 50%.

What is a Haversian system?

Bone structure where bone forms concentric layers around a central blood vessel.

What are the two major components of blood?

Fluid (plasma) and cellular elements.

Which protein in erythrocytes carries oxygen?

Hemoglobin.

What is anemia?

A decrease in the number of red blood cells.

What is the primary role of leukocytes?

To help fight disease (immune defense).

List the three types of muscle tissue.

Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth.

In which direction do sensory (afferent) nerves carry messages?

From the body’s periphery toward the brain.

In which direction do motor (efferent) nerves carry messages?

From the brain to peripheral body parts.

Name the three structural parts of a neuron.

Cell body, axon, and dendrite.

Which ions move across neuronal membranes to transmit impulses?

Sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions.

Define mesoderm in embryology.

The middle germ layer that forms connective tissues, bone, muscle, and more.

Which epithelium specifically lines blood and lymph vessels?

Endothelium (simple squamous).

Which type of cartilage provides cushioning in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?

Fibrous cartilage.

Which epithelium with cilia lines much of the respiratory tract?

Simple cuboidal or pseudostratified columnar epithelium with cilia (commonly pseudostratified).

Which gland duct pattern resembles a bunch of grapes?

Compound tubuloalveolar arrangement.

What fibers predominate in elastic connective tissue?

Yellow elastic fibers.

Which molecule controls production in endoplasmic reticulum?

RNA.

Where does RNA obtain its genetic template?

By copying DNA in the nucleus.

What happens when basal epithelial cells grow downward during gland formation?

They form cords that hollow into tubes, creating glandular ducts and secretory units.

What is the fluid portion of blood called?

Plasma.

Which connective tissue forms the supporting framework of several organs?

Reticular tissue.

Which specific epithelium lines body cavities such as the peritoneum?

Mesothelium (simple squamous).

Which embryonic germ layer forms the inner lining (endothelium) of blood vessels?

Mesoderm.

Why is elastic cartilage considered flexible?

Its matrix contains many elastic fibers that allow bending without permanent deformation.