Chapter 4 - Tissue Layer of Organization

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Adipocyte

A fat cell

Apical Surface

The surface of an epithelial cell that faces a lumen or other open area.

Apocrine gland

An exocrine gland whose cells break apart at the surface to release their secretions.

Appositional growth

A mechanism by which cartilage grows at its surface.

Basal lamina (basement membrane)

Material that binds the basilar surface of epithelial cells to the underlying connective tissue.

Basilar surface

The surface of an epithelial cell opposite the apical surface.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue with a water matrix called plasma.

Cartilage

Connective tissue with a firm, rubbery or gel-like matrix and cells called chondrocytes; unlike other types of connective tissue, this tissue is avascular.

Chondrocyte

A cartilage cell.

Collage fibers

Long, straight, unbranched fibers of collagen; resist tension (pulling).

Collagen

Protein that forms strong fibers in the matrix of connective tissue; the most abundant protein in the body.

Connective tissue proper

Connective tissue with clear, colorless, viscous (syrupy) ground substance; types include areolar tissue, adipose tissue, dense regular connective tissue, dense irregular connective tissue, and elastic tissue.

Deep fascia

Dense irregular connective tissue that connects the capsules of many organs such as the kidneys.

Dense connective tissue

Connective tissue proper that has closely-packed fibers; can be classified as regular, irregular, and elastic.

Desmosome

An intercellular junction that holds adjacent cells firmly together so that they cannot be pulled apart (like velcro).

Elastic fibers

Wavy, branched fibers containing elastin protein; capable of resuming their original length after stretching.

Endocrine gland

A gland that does not have ducts; its secretions diffuse from the extracellular fluid into the bloodstream.

Epithelial tissue (Epithelium)

Tissue that covers a surface or lines of a structure; one of the major types of tissue

Fibroblast

Most abundant cells of connective tissue proper.

Gap junction

An intracellular junction that forms a passageway between cells so that they cytoplasm of one cell is continuous with the cytoplasm of the next cell.

General characteristics of connective tissue:

Low cellularity; Widely-spaced cells; Vascularity and Regenerative capability depend upon the specific type it is; Durable.

General characteristics of epithelium:

High cellularity; Closely-spaced cells; Avascular; Regenerates well.

Gland

A structure that secretes a fluid substance.

Ground substance

The fluid portion of the matrix of connective tissue.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Holocrine gland

An exocrine gland whose cells completely break apart to release their secretions.

Hormone

A chemical messenger that is carried by the blood; a secretion of an endocrine gland.

Interstitial growth

A mechanism by which cartilage grows from within itself.

Lacuna

A small space occupied by a chondrocyte or osteocyte.

Lamina propria

The areolar tissue of a mucous membrane.L

Loose connective tissue

Connective tissue proper that has widely-spaced fibers; types include areolar tissue, adipose tissue, and reticular tissue.

Lumen

The hollow area in a tubular structure; it often contains fluid.

Matrix

The extracellular portion of connective tissue; consists of fibers and ground substance.

Membrane

A covering or lining with an epithelium supported by connective tissue; types include the cutaneous membrane (skin), mucous membranes, serous membranes, and synovial membranes.

Merocrine gland

An exocrine gland that excretes via exocytosis.

Mesothelium

The simple squamous epithelium of a serous membrane.

Mucous membrane

An exocrine gland that secretes mucin which combines with water to form a substance much more viscous than water.

Mucous membrane (Mucosa)

A membrane lining a space that has a connection to the exterior of the body; an example is the respiratory tract mucosa.

Muscle tissue

Tissue that generates movement; one of the major types of tissue.

Nervous (Neural) tissue

Tissue that sends electrochemical signals; one of the major types of tissue.

Osseous tissue (Bone)

Connective tissue with a hard calcified matrix and cells called osteocytes.

Osteocyte

A bone cell

Reticular fibers

Thin, branched, interwoven fibers of collagen; secure the position of cells, vessels, and nerves.

Serous gland

An exocrine gland that secretes a watery substance.

Serous membrane (Serosa)

A membrane of a ventral body cavity; pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum.

Simple epithelium

Epithelium with only one cell layer.

Stratified epithelium

Epithelium with more than one cell layer.

Superficial fascia

Adipose and areolar tissue that attach the skin to the underlying tissues and organs; also called the subcutaneous layer or hypodermis.

Tight junction

An intercellular junction that prevents leakage of fluid between adjacent cells.

Tissue

A group of cells that perform a similar function.

Characteristics of Epithelial Tissue (Acronym) C.R.A.P.

Cellularity, Regeneration, Avascular, Polarity.