ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY UNIT 2 - TISSUES

Four major elements of cells

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen, essential for building most of the cell's structure.

Trace elements

Minerals required in small amounts that are important for specific cell functions, e.g., Ca for blood clotting, Fe for hemoglobin manufacturing.

Interstitial fluid

A dilute saltwater solution that surrounds cells in the body, facilitating exchanges between cells and the blood.

Plasma Membrane

A structure composed mostly of phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins that encloses the cell and regulates what enters and exits.

Integral Proteins

Proteins that extend through the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane, involved in transport and signaling functions.

Peripheral Proteins

Proteins loosely attached to the surface of the plasma membrane, involved in signaling and maintaining the cell's shape.

Microvilli

Tiny fingerlike projections on the plasma membrane that increase surface area for absorption, commonly found in epithelial cells.

Tight junctions

Junctions that bind cells together, preventing leaks between them and creating a barrier.

Gap junctions

Communicating junctions that allow for chemical exchanges between adjacent cells through connexons.

Desmosomes

Anchoring junctions that prevent cells from being pulled apart under stress.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that detoxify harmful substances like alcohol and formaldehyde using oxidative enzymes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein fibers within a cell that provides structure, shape, and aids in intracellular transport.

Fibroblast

A cell type in connective tissue that secretes fibers and ground substance.

Epithelial cell

Cells that form protective layers covering body surfaces and lining cavities.

Muscle cells

Cells specialized for contraction and movement of organs and body parts.

Macrophage

A type of immune cell that engulfs pathogens and debris via phagocytosis.

Oocyte

The female gamete, which is the largest cell in the body, containing ample cytoplasm.

Simple epithelium

Single layer of cells that is concerned primarily with absorption, secretion, and filtration.

Stratified epithelium

Multiple layers of cells that provide protection against abrasion and wear.

Blood

A connective tissue that transports nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.

Muscle tissue

Tissue specialized for contraction, responsible for movement and maintenance of posture.

Nervous tissue

Tissue that transmits electrochemical impulses and processes information in the body.

Gland

One or more cells that make and secrete a product.

Regeneration

The process of replacing damaged tissue with the same type of cells.

Fibrosis

Repair by scar tissue that replaces the tissue lost due to injury.

Telomeres

Specific DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.