Unit 2 study guide

Epithelial Tissue

Type of tissue that provides protection, absorption, secretion, filtration, and sensation.

Avascular

Referring to tissues that do not have blood vessels.

Apical Surface

The top/free surface of epithelial tissue that faces the outside or a body cavity.

Basal Surface

The bottom surface of epithelial tissue that is attached to the basement membrane.

Basement Membrane

A thin layer that anchors epithelial tissue to connective tissue.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells, good for diffusion, filtration, absorption, and secretion.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells, providing protection.

Cuboidal Cells

Cube-shaped cells used for secretion and absorption, found in kidney tubules and glands.

Columnar Cells

Tall epithelial cells used for absorption and secretion, typically found in the digestive tract.

Desmosomes

Cell-to-cell connections that hold cells strongly together, acting like 'spot welds'.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that release substances through ducts, such as sweat and salivary glands.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the blood, such as the thyroid.

Merocrine Secretion

Glandular secretion where the cell releases the product without damage.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum, which lubricates the skin and hair.

Connective Tissue Proper

A major category of connective tissue that includes loose and dense connective tissues.

Fibroblasts

Cells that make fibers and ground substance in connective tissue.

Lacunae

Small spaces where cartilage cells live.

Papillary Layer

Upper layer of the dermis composed of loose connective tissue.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost layer of the epidermis, made up of dead, keratin-filled cells.

Melanin

A pigment that helps determine skin color and protects against UV radiation.

Hair Follicle

The structure that surrounds the hair root.

Eponychium

The cuticle of the nail.

First-degree Burn

A burn that only affects the epidermis.

Keloid

An excessive, raised scar caused by overproduction of connective tissue.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer that grows slowly.

Vitamin D3

A form of vitamin D produced by the skin that is important for calcium absorption.

Keratinocytes

The main cells of the epidermis, responsible for producing keratin.

Dendrites

Parts of the neuron that receive information.

Axon

The part of the neuron that sends information away from the cell body.

Granulation Tissue

New connective tissue and blood vessels that form during healing.

Subcutaneous

Referring to the layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the skin.

Intercellular Junctions

Structures that connect epithelial cells, including tight junctions and gap junctions.

Tension Lines

Lines that show the direction in which the skin naturally pulls.

Stratum Spinosum

The layer of the epidermis that provides strength and several layers of cells.

Melanocytes

Cells that produce melanin, located in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Blood clot formation

The process of stopping bleeding immediately after an injury.

Skin Glands

Glands found in the skin, including sebaceous and sweat glands.

Reticular Layer

The deeper layer of the dermis that contains dense connective tissue.

Cutaneous Membrane

The skin, which is one of the four body membranes.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that can stretch, found in the urinary bladder.

Holocrine Secretion

A type of secretion where the entire cell breaks apart to release its product.

Keratin

A tough protective protein found in skin, hair, and nails.

Serous Membrane

Membrane that lines closed body cavities and covers organs.