Tissue Types and Functions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to tissue types and their functions.

Adipocytes

Lipid storage cells found in adipose tissue.

Apical

The part of a cell or tissue which faces an open space.

Apocrine secretion

Release of a substance along with the apical portion of the cell.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death.

Areolar tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that shows little specialization with cells dispersed in the matrix.

Astrocyte

Star-shaped cell in the CNS that regulates ions and neurotransmitters and contributes to the blood-brain barrier.

Atrophy

Loss of mass and function.

Basal lamina

Thin extracellular layer under epithelial cells, separating them from other tissues.

Cardiac muscle

Heart muscle, under involuntary control, composed of striated cells.

Chondrocytes

Cells of the cartilage.

Collagen fiber

Flexible fibrous proteins that give connective tissue tensile strength.

Ectoderm

Outermost embryonic germ layer; forms epidermis and nervous tissue.

Elastic cartilage

Type of cartilage with elastin as the main protein, providing rigid support and elasticity.

Endocrine gland

Groups of cells that release chemical signals into intercellular fluid to target organs via blood.

Fibroblast

Most abundant cell type in connective tissue; secretes protein fibers and matrix.

Fibrocartilage

Tough form of cartilage made of thick bundles of collagen fibers.

Gap junction

Allows cytoplasmic communications between cells.

Goblet cell

Unicellular gland found in columnar epithelium that secretes mucous.

Histamine

Chemical compound released by mast cells that causes vasodilation and increased permeability.

Hyaline cartilage

Most common type of cartilage, smooth with short collagen fibers.

Lamina propria

Areolar connective tissue underlying a mucous membrane.

Merocrine secretion

Release of a substance from a gland via exocytosis.

Mesenchyme

Embryonic tissue from which connective tissue cells derive.

Mucous membrane

Tissue membrane covered by mucous that lines exposed tissue.

Myelin

Layer of lipid wrapping around some neuron axons.

Necrosis

Accidental death of cells and tissues.

Neuroglia

Supportive neural cells.

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Tissue with a single layer of irregularly shaped cells, appearing layered.

Reticular tissue

Type of loose connective tissue that provides a supportive framework to organs.

Serous membrane

Type of tissue membrane that lines body cavities and lubricates them.

Skeletal muscle

Muscle usually attached to bone, multinucleated, and striated.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Multiple layers of cells with the most apical being flat scale-like cells.

Totipotent

Embryonic cells that can differentiate into any type of cell and organ.

Transitional epithelium

Form of stratified epithelium found in the urinary tract, changing shape with urine presence.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels.

wound contraction

process whereby the borders of a wound are physically drawn together