Chapter 1 and Tissues: Connective Tissue, Membranes, Tissues, and Body Organization (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from connective tissue, membranes, tissues, and the basic organization of the human body as described in the provided notes.

Keratan sulfate

A sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the extracellular matrix that helps form proteoglycans in connective tissues.

Adhesion proteins

Proteins in the extracellular matrix that mediate cell-to-matrix adhesion and attachment between cells and ECM.

Fibronectin

An adhesion protein in the ECM that binds to integrins and collagen to anchor cells to the matrix.

Collagen fibers

The most abundant extracellular matrix fibers, providing tensile strength to tissues.

Elastic fibers

Elastin-containing fibers allowing tissues to stretch and recoil.

Reticular fibers

Fine collagen fibers (type III) forming supportive networks in organs.

Areolar connective tissue

Loose connective tissue that cushions, supports epithelia, and binds organs together.

Adipose tissue

Tissue specialized for fat storage in adipocytes; insulates and cushions.

Reticular connective tissue

Connective tissue with reticular fibers forming a supportive framework.

Dense regular connective tissue

Dense CT with parallel collagen fibers; found in tendons and ligaments.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Dense CT with a mesh of collagen fibers in multiple directions; provides multidirectional strength.

Elastic connective tissue

Dense CT rich in elastic fibers; allows recoil; found in arteries and certain ligaments.

Hyaline cartilage

Most common cartilage with a glassy matrix; provides smooth surface and support.

Fibrous cartilage

Cartilage with thick collagen fibers; strengthened and tough (e.g., intervertebral discs).

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage with many elastic fibers; flexible support (e.g., ear, epiglottis).

Bone tissue

Mineralized connective tissue that forms the skeleton; osteocytes reside in lacunae.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue; plasma carries nutrients and cells, formed elements circulate.

Lymph

Fluid of the lymphatic system; transports immune cells and waste products.

Plasma

Liquid component of blood containing water, electrolytes, proteins, and dissolved substances.

Mesenchyme

Embryonic connective tissue from which mature connective tissues arise.

Mucous tissue

Mucoid embryonic connective tissue characteristic of mucous membranes.

Mucoid

Gel-like connective tissue associated with mucous membranes; loose ECM.

Mature connective tissue proper

Adult connective tissues classified as loose or dense proper CT.

Loose connective tissue

Connective tissue with loosely arranged fibers (areolar, adipose, reticular).

Dense connective tissue

Connective tissue with densely packed collagen fibers (regular or irregular).

Cartilage

Semi-rigid connective tissue; avascular, chondrocytes in lacunae within a matrix.

Perichondrium

Dense connective tissue layer surrounding cartilage that supplies nutrients.

Interstitial growth

Cartilage growth from within via chondrocyte division.

Appositional growth

Cartilage growth on the surface via added chondroblasts from the perichondrium.

Compact bone

Dense bone with the osteon (Haversian system) as the basic unit.

Osteon (Haversian system)

The structural unit of compact bone with concentric lamellae around a central canal.

Lamella

Concentric layers of bone matrix within an osteon.

Lacunae

Small cavities that house osteocytes in bone matrix.

Canaliculi

Microscopic channels that connect lacunae and enable nutrient/waste exchange.

Osteonic canal (Central canal)

Central channel within an osteon containing blood vessels and nerves.

Spongy bone

Cancellous bone lacking osteons; contains trabeculae arranged to lighten bone.

Bone trabeculae

Rod- or plate-like structures in spongy bone forming a lattice.

Epithelial membranes

Membranes composed of epithelium + underlying connective tissue; includes mucous, serous, and cutaneous membranes.

Mucous membranes

Membranes lining cavities that open to the exterior; mucous-covered surfaces.

Epithelial layer

The surface layer of epithelial membranes.”

Connective tissue layer

Underlying tissue layer that supports the epithelial layer.

Serous membranes

Membranes that secrete serous fluid to reduce friction in closed body cavities.

Cutaneous membranes

Skin; covers the body.

Synovial membranes

Membranes lining joint capsules that produce synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid

Lubricating fluid within joints.

Skeletal muscle

Voluntary, striated muscle attached to bones.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary, striated muscle of the heart with intercalated discs.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary, non-striated muscle found in hollow organs and vessels.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses and signals.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells of the nervous system that nourish and protect neurons.

Excitable cells

Cells capable of responding to stimuli with electrical changes (neurons and muscle cells).

Tissue regeneration

Replacement of damaged tissue with the same tissue type.

Fibrosis

Replacement of tissue with fibrous connective tissue; scar formation.

Granulation tissue

New connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form during wound healing.

Nutrition

Dietary factors influencing the rate and quality of healing.

Blood circulation

Circulation of blood delivering nutrients and cells to repair sites.

Age

Factor affecting healing; aging can slow tissue repair.

Epithelial cells

Cells that make up epithelial tissue; line and protect surfaces.

Connective tissue

Tissue that binds, supports, and protects organs; contains ECM.

Muscle cells

Contractile cells that generate force for movement.

Nervous cells

Cells of the nervous system, including neurons and glial cells.

Salivary gland

Gland that secretes saliva into the mouth.

Pharynx

Throat; part of the passageway for air and food.

Mouth

Oral opening; entry to the digestive tract.

Liver

Metabolic organ that produces bile and processes nutrients.

Gallbladder

Stores and concentrates bile for digestion.

Large intestine

Absorbs water and forms solid waste (feces).

Small intestine

Digestive organ where most nutrient absorption occurs.

Esophagus

Muscular tube that transports food from mouth to stomach.

Stomach

Digestive organ that mechanically and chemically digests food.

Integumentary System

Skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

Skeletal System

Bones, joints, and supporting structures.

Endocrinology

Study of hormones and the endocrine system.

Cardiovascular physiology

Study of heart and blood vessel function.

Renal physiology

Study of kidney function.

Pathophysiology

Study of how disease processes alter function.

Anatomy

Branch of science dealing with the structure of body parts.

Physiology

Branch of science dealing with the function of body parts.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

Chemical level

The simplest level of organization: atoms and molecules.

Cellular level

Level of organization consisting of cells.

Tissue level

Level where similar cells and ECM form tissues.

Organ level

Level where organs are formed from two or more tissues.

System level

Level where groups of organs function together (organ systems).

Organismal level

All organ systems functioning together as a whole.