Chapter 4 Hostology

Tissue

A group of structurally and functionally related cells and their external environment that perform common functions.

Histology

The study of the normal structure of tissues.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The surrounding material that differs in composition in each tissue type.

Epithelial Tissue

Found on every external and internal body surface; acts as a barrier between the body and the environment.

Connective Tissue

Connects all other tissues together and is characterized by a large amount of extracellular matrix.

Muscular Tissue

Tissue composed of cells that contract and generate force.

Nervous Tissue

Composed of neurons that generate, send, and receive messages.

Cell Junctions

Connections of neighboring cells in a tissue linked to one another by integral proteins.

Simple Epithelia

Single layers of cells that line hollow organs and surfaces.

Stratified Epithelia

More than one layer of cells, providing protection in areas of high stress.

Pseudostratified Epithelia

Single layer of cells that appear to be multilayered.

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Outer layer of skin that protects underlying tissues.

Goblet Cell

A unicellular gland that secretes mucus found in the epithelium lining the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete products through ducts to the external surface of the body.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that lack ducts and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue consisting of fat cells that functions in insulation and energy reserve.

Hyaline Cartilage

Most common type of cartilage, provides support and flexibility.

Osteoblasts

Immature bone cells that carry out bone deposition.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.

Neurons

Cells within nervous tissue that generate and conduct nerve impulses.

Regeneration

The process by which damaged or dead cells are replaced with the same type of cells.

Fibrosis

The process of wound healing where collagen fills a defect left by injury, resulting in scar tissue.