Histology: Primary Tissue Types

24 vocabulary flashcards covering the major epithelial, connective, cartilage, bone, blood, nervous, and muscle tissue types discussed in the lecture.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flattened cells that permits diffusion and filtration; found in kidney glomeruli, air sacs of lungs, lining of heart, blood vessels, and ventral body cavity.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells specialized for secretion and absorption; lines kidney tubules, ducts, small glands, and the ovary surface.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells that secrete mucus and digestive enzymes; lines most of the digestive tract.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of cells of varying heights with cilia; secretes and moves mucus, especially in the trachea and most of the respiratory tract.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Thick, multi-layered epithelium with squamous surface cells; protects underlying tissues from abrasion; lines esophagus, mouth, and vagina.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Typically two layers of cube-shaped cells that provide protection; forms largest ducts of sweat, mammary, and salivary glands.

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Several cell layers with columnar superficial cells; functions in protection and secretion; rare—found in male urethra and large gland ducts.

Transitional Epithelium

Stratified epithelium that changes shape to permit stretching; lines organs of the urinary system.

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose connective tissue that cushions organs and holds body fluids; located beneath epithelia and around capillaries.

Adipose Tissue

Loose connective tissue composed of fat cells; stores energy, insulates, and cushions; found under skin, around kidneys and eyes, abdomen, and breasts.

Reticular Connective Tissue

Loose network of reticular fibers forming a soft internal skeleton that supports lymphoid cells; in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Parallel collagen fibers that resist tensile stress in one direction; connects muscles to bones (tendons) and bones to bones (ligaments).

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Irregularly arranged collagen fibers that withstand tension from many directions; found in dermis and fibrous capsules of organs and joints.

Elastic Connective Tissue

Dense regular connective tissue rich in elastic fibers; allows recoil of tissue and maintains pulsatile blood flow; in walls of large arteries, certain vertebral ligaments, and bronchial tubes.

Hyaline Cartilage

Firm, glassy matrix that cushions and resists compression; forms embryonic skeleton and cartilage of nose, trachea, and larynx.

Elastic Cartilage

Similar to hyaline but with more elastic fibers; maintains shape while providing flexibility; supports external ear and epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

Tough cartilage with thick collagen fibers; absorbs compressive shock; found in intervertebral discs and knee menisci.

Bone (Osseous Tissue)

Hard, calcified matrix with collagen fibers; supports and protects, stores minerals, and provides levers for muscle action.

Blood

Fluid connective tissue with red and white cells in plasma; transports gases, nutrients, wastes, and other substances within blood vessels.

Nervous Tissue

Composed of branching neurons and supporting glial cells; transmits electrical signals in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Skeletal Muscle

Long, cylindrical, multinucleate fibers; produces voluntary movement; attached to bones and sometimes skin.

Cardiac Muscle

Branching, striated muscle with intercalated discs; contracts to propel blood; located in heart walls.

Smooth Muscle

Spindle-shaped, non-striated cells; propels substances through hollow organs; found in walls of blood vessels, digestive, and other hollow organs.