Epithelial and Connective Tissues

Vocabulary flashcards covering the functions, cell shapes, layer classifications, and special features of epithelial tissue, as well as the structure and types of connective tissue.

Epithelial tissue

Tissue consisting of tightly packed cells forming continuous sheets that cover the body's exterior and line internal surfaces; it is avascular, forms glands, and has high turnover with continuous cell division.

Protection (Epithelial Function)

A function of epithelial tissue that shields underlying tissues from injury, pathogens, and dehydration (e.g., skin).

Absorption (Epithelial Function)

A function of epithelial tissue that takes in nutrients or other substances (e.g., lining of the intestines).

Secretion (Epithelial Function)

A function of epithelial tissue that produces substances like mucus, hormones, or sweat (e.g., glands).

Filtration (Epithelial Function)

A function of epithelial tissue that filters substances in organs like the kidneys.

Sensory reception (Epithelial Function)

A function where specialized epithelial tissues perform sensory roles (e.g., taste buds).

Squamous cells

Flat, thin epithelial cells that allow easy diffusion (found in the lining of lungs and blood vessels).

Cuboidal cells

Cube-shaped epithelial cells involved in secretion and absorption (found in kidney tubules).

Columnar cells

Tall, column-like epithelial cells specialized in absorption and secretion (found in the intestine lining).

Simple epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of a single layer of cells, used for absorption, secretion, or filtration.

Stratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of multiple layers of cells, used for protection (e.g., skin).

Pseudostratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears layered but is actually a single layer; often possesses cilia (found in the respiratory tract).

Cilia

Hair-like structures on epithelial cells that move substances (such as mucus in the respiratory tract).

Microvilli

Finger-like projections on epithelial cells that increase the surface area for absorption (found in the intestines).

Contraction

A function characteristic of muscle tissue, whereas epithelial tissue performs protection, absorption, and secretion.

Connective tissue

Tissue made up of cells, fibers, and a gel-like substance called the extracellular matrix.

Extracellular matrix

The gel-like substance containing cells and fibers that forms connective tissue.

Loose connective tissue

Connective tissue with a loose arrangement of fibers and cells that provides cushioning and holds organs in place (e.g., adipose and areolar tissue).

Dense connective tissue

Connective tissue containing tightly packed fibers for strength; connects muscles to bones and bones to other bones.

Cartilage

A flexible yet firm tissue that provides support and reduces friction, found in the nose, ears, trachea, and joints (e.g., hyaline cartilage, elastic cartilage, and fibrocartilage).

Tendons

Dense connective tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Ligaments

Dense connective tissues that connect bones to other bones.