Lab Exam 1 – Comprehensive Review

A set of concise multiple choice flashcards covering key histology, anatomy, physiology, and reproductive topics likely to appear on Lab Exam 1.

What is the microscopic appearance of simple squamous epithelium?

A single layer of thin, flat cells shaped like fried eggs with flattened nuclei; cytoplasm often so thin it is hard to see.

Name two representative locations of simple squamous epithelium.

Air sacs (alveoli) of lungs and inner lining (endothelium) of heart and blood vessels.

Allows rapid diffusion or transport of substances and secretes lubricating serous fluid.

What primary function is served by simple squamous epithelium?

Describe the microscopic appearance of simple cuboidal epithelium.

Single layer of square or round cells with centrally placed spherical nuclei; may have microvilli or cilia depending on location.

Where would you find simple cuboidal epithelium in the body?

Most kidney tubules, liver, and glandular ducts such as those in thyroid and salivary glands.

What are two main functions of simple cuboidal epithelium?

Absorption and secretion; production and movement of respiratory mucus.

How can you recognize simple columnar epithelium under a microscope?

Tall, narrow cells with oval nuclei in basal half, often a brush border of microvilli, sometimes goblet cells present.

List two organs lined by simple columnar epithelium.

Inner lining of stomach and intestines.

State one key function of simple columnar epithelium.

Absorption and secretion of mucus and other products.

What makes pseudostratified columnar epithelium appear stratified?

Nuclei are at multiple levels and some cells do not reach the free surface, but all touch the basement membrane.

Where is ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium commonly found?

Respiratory tract from nasal cavity to bronchi.

What is the primary function of pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

Secretion and propulsion of mucus.

How does keratinized stratified squamous epithelium differ from non-keratinized?

Keratinized type has a surface layer of dead, anucleate cells filled with keratin; non-keratinized lacks this dead layer.

Give one location for keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and its function there.

Epidermis of skin (palms/soles) – resists abrasion and water loss.

Give one location for non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Lining of the esophagus or vagina.

What is the chief function of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium?

Resists abrasion and penetration by pathogens in moist areas.

Describe stratified cuboidal epithelium and name one location.

Two or more layers of cube-shaped cells; found in sweat gland ducts.

What functional role does stratified cuboidal epithelium play in sweat glands?

Contributes to sweat secretion.

What unique feature helps identify transitional epithelium?

Surface cells are rounded and can bulge; tissue thins from 5–6 layers when relaxed to 2–3 when stretched.

Where is transitional epithelium located and why?

Lining of urinary bladder and ureters; it stretches to accommodate filling.

What fibers dominate areolar connective tissue and what is its major function?

Loose collagen and elastic fibers; loosely binds epithelia to deeper tissues and allows passage of nerves and vessels.

Which connective tissue forms the framework of lymph nodes and spleen?

Reticular tissue.

State one function of dense regular connective tissue.

Forms tendons and ligaments that resist predictable stress.

Why is dense irregular connective tissue suited to dermis?

Collagen fibers run in random directions, providing strength against stresses in many planes.

Describe adipose tissue’s microscopic appearance.

Large empty-looking cells (adipocytes) with nuclei pressed to the edge due to stored lipid.

List two functions of adipose tissue.

Energy storage and thermal insulation.

What type of cartilage provides flexible support for the external ear?

Elastic cartilage.

Which cartilage type lacks perichondrium and resists compression in intervertebral discs?

Fibrocartilage.

Give one location and function of hyaline cartilage.

Articular surfaces of joints; eases joint movement.

How is compact bone organized microscopically?

Calcified matrix in concentric lamellae around central (Haversian) canals with osteocytes in lacunae.

Name two functions of bone tissue.

Physical support and reservoir of calcium and phosphorus.

What are the formed elements seen in a blood smear?

Erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

State two functions of blood.

Transport of gases/nutrients and defense via white blood cells.

Identify the two main cell types found in nervous tissue.

Neurons and glial cells.

What is the basic function of nervous tissue?

Internal communication via electrical and chemical signals.

Give the microscopic hallmarks of skeletal muscle fibers.

Long, unbranched, multinucleated, striated fibers with nuclei at the periphery.

Is skeletal muscle voluntary or involuntary?

Voluntary.

How do cardiac muscle cells differ from skeletal muscle fibers?

Short, branched, single-nucleated cells connected by intercalated discs; involuntary.

Describe smooth muscle appearance.

Non-striated, spindle-shaped cells each with one central nucleus.

Where would you find smooth muscle?

Walls of viscera and blood vessels.

Name the three major regions of a neuron.

Neurosoma (cell body), dendrites, and axon.

Which bone does NOT articulate with any other bone?

Hyoid bone.

How many cervical vertebrae are in the human spine?

Seven cervical vertebrae.

Which two bones form the pectoral (shoulder) girdle?

Clavicle and scapula.

What bones compose the pelvic girdle?

The paired coxal (hip) bones.

List the four normal spinal curvatures from superior to inferior.

Cervical (concave), thoracic (convex), lumbar (concave), sacral (convex).

Name the three parts of the sternum from superior to inferior.

Manubrium, body, xiphoid process.

Which cranial bone houses the foramen magnum?

Occipital bone.

What facial bone forms the lower jaw?

Mandible.

What is the primary action of the biceps brachii muscle?

Flexion of the forearm at the elbow.

Which muscle group is located on the posterior thigh?

Hamstring group.

Name the large superficial muscle of the buttocks.

Gluteus maximus.

Which muscle is the primary mover for inspiration (breathing in)?

Diaphragm.

List the five basic components of a reflex arc.

Receptor, sensory neuron, integration center, motor neuron, effector.

Which brain region coordinates balance and posture?

Cerebellum.

What structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres?

Corpus callosum.

Identify the three tiny bones of the middle ear collectively.

Ossicles: malleus, incus, stapes.

Which part of the inner ear is responsible for hearing?

Cochlea (specifically the spiral organ of Corti).

What eye structure controls the diameter of the pupil?

Iris.

Which receptors detect rotational equilibrium?

Cristae in the ampullae of semicircular canals.

Contrast arteries and veins in terms of wall thickness.

Arteries have thicker muscular walls; veins have thinner walls and often valves.

What valve prevents backflow from the left ventricle to the left atrium?

Bicuspid (mitral) atrioventricular valve.

Trace the pulmonary circuit starting in the right atrium.

Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary trunk → pulmonary arteries → lung capillaries → pulmonary veins → left atrium.

Name the organs of the urinary system.

Kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

What is the functional unit of the kidney responsible for urine formation?

Nephron.

Describe two functions of the tracheal C-shaped cartilage rings.

Hold airway open and allow expansion of the esophagus posteriorly.

What tiny air sacs are the sites of gas exchange in the lungs?

Alveoli.

Define external respiration.

Exchange of gases between alveolar air and blood in pulmonary capillaries.

Which glands produce testosterone in males?

Interstitial (Leydig) cells of the testes.

What hormone from the anterior pituitary stimulates ovulation?

Luteinizing hormone (LH).

Where does fertilization usually occur in the female reproductive tract?

In the uterine (fallopian) tube.

Name the erectile tissue pair that forms the bulk of the penis.

Corpora cavernosa.

What hormone triggers the development of primary oocytes into secondary oocytes each month?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Which feedback mechanism regulates estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle?

Negative feedback involving hypothalamus and anterior pituitary.

What is the outermost meningeal layer covering the brain?

Dura mater.

Which cranial nerve carries smell information to the brain?

Olfactory nerve (CN I).

In blood vessels, what is the purpose of precapillary sphincters?

Regulate blood flow into capillary beds.

Identify the structure that prevents food from entering the larynx.

Epiglottis.

What is the main function of platelets?

Initiate clotting and secrete growth factors for tissue repair.

Which respiratory structure is known as the "voice box"?

Larynx.

Name the muscle that elevates the corners of the mouth in smiling.

Zygomaticus major.

Which white blood cell type is most numerous in a normal blood smear?

Neutrophils.