Study Guide: Epithelial and Connective Tissues

Simple Squamous

Alveoli (air sacs) of lungs - thin for gas exchange

Stratified Squamous

Lining of oral cavity - protection from abrasion

Simple Cuboidal

Kidney tubules - helps with absorption and secretion

Simple Columnar

Intestines - absorbs nutrients, often has microvilli

Transitional

Urinary bladder - stretches to hold urine

Ciliated Pseudostratified Columnar

Trachea - moves mucus with cilia

Epithelial Tissue

One side is exposed, and the other side is anchored to a basement membrane.

Extracellular Matrix

Made of fibers and ground substance.

Fibers in Extracellular Matrix

Collagen (strength), elastic (flexibility), reticular (support)

Ground Substance

Gel-like material around the cells.

Adipose CT

Stores fat (energy), cushions organs (e.g., behind eyeballs)

Areolar CT

Under most epithelium, holds tissue fluids, supports other tissues

Dense Regular CT

Strong and rope-like - forms tendons & ligaments

Dense Irregular CT

Found in dermis; resists tension from many directions

Reticular CT

Supports framework in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow

Elastic CT

Allows arteries to stretch and bounce back (recoil)

Collagen

The most common fiber in many types (strong & supportive).

General Characteristics of Connective Tissue

Scattered cells in a non-living matrix.

Matrix

Fibers + ground substance.

Functions of Connective Tissue

Supports, connects, protects organs and tissues.

Vascularity of Connective Tissue

Usually has blood vessels.