Wk 5 Biomedical Science PT1

What are the main functions of connective tissue?

Establishes structural framework, transports fluids, protects organs, supports other tissues, stores energy, and defends against microorganisms.

Name the main cellular components of connective tissue.

Fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, adipocytes, plasma cells, and mesenchymal cells.

What is the function of fibroblasts?

Produce collagen, elastin, and other fibers that form the extracellular matrix.

What do macrophages do in connective tissue?

Engulf and digest pathogens, dead cells, and debris.

Where are mast cells typically located?

Near blood vessels, skin, and mucosal surfaces.

What is the role of adipocytes?

Store energy as fat and provide insulation/protection.

What do plasma cells produce?

Antibodies to fight infections.

What are mesenchymal cells?

Stem cells that can differentiate into other connective tissue cells.

Describe collagen fibers.

Long, straight, unbranched fibers that form bundles of fibrous protein.

What are reticular fibers?

Fine networks of collagen bundles that form the stroma of soft organs and resist multi-directional forces.

Define elastic fibers.

Branched and wavy fibers of elastin that allow for stretch and recoil.

What characterizes loose connective tissue?

A loose, irregular network of fibers and cells within a semi-fluid matrix.

What is dense regular connective tissue?

Characterized by densely packed collagen fibers arranged in a parallel fashion, providing strong, unidirectional resistance to stress.

What are the three main types of bone cells?

Osteoblasts (bone-forming), osteocytes (mature bone cells), and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing).

What are the four main tissue types found throughout the body?

The four main tissue types are epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

What are the ways in which cells are joined together?

Cells are joined together by tight junctions, adhering junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions.

What are the functions of epithelial tissues?

Epithelial tissues function in protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.

List the characteristics of epithelial tissues.

Epithelial tissues are characterized by cellularity, polarity, attachment to the basement membrane, avascularity, and regenerative capacity.

What are the six main types of epithelial tissues?

The six main types are simple squamous, stratified squamous, cuboidal, columnar, transitional, and pseudostratified epithelium.

What purposes do simple squamous epithelium serve?

Simple squamous epithelium serves purposes such as filtration and diffusion, as seen in the alveoli of lungs and capillaries.

What is glandular epithelia?

Glandular epithelia are specialized epithelial cells that produce and secrete substances; examples include sweat glands and salivary glands.

What are the two types of glandular secretion?

The two types of glandular secretion are exocrine (secreting substances onto epithelial surfaces) and endocrine (secreting hormones into the bloodstream).

What are membranes and how are they classified?

Membranes are thin layers of tissue that cover surfaces, line cavities, and divide spaces or organs; classified into mucous, serous, and synovial membranes.

Give examples of mucous and serous membranes.

Mucous membranes line body cavities that open to the exterior, such as the respiratory tract; serous membranes line closed cavities, such as the pleura surrounding the lungs.

What cell and fibre types are located in connective tissues?

Connective tissues contain cell types such as fibroblasts, adipocytes, macrophages, and mast cells, along with fibre types such as collagen, elastic, and reticular fibres.

How are connective tissues classified and what are examples of each?

Connective tissues are classified into three main types: loose connective tissue (e.g., areolar tissue), dense connective tissue (e.g., tendons), and specialized connective tissues (e.g., cartilage, bone, blood).

What are the different arrangements of connective fibres?

Connective fibres can be arranged in loose, dense, or irregular patterns, which allows for flexibility, support, and strength as needed by different parts of the body.

What are the functions and components of the skeletal system?

The skeletal system supports and protects body organs, facilitates movement, stores minerals, and produces blood cells; its components include bones, cartilage, ligaments, and joints.

What is the structure and function of each part of a long bone?

A long bone consists of the diaphysis (shaft), epiphyses (ends), metaphysis (growth plate area), medullary cavity (holds marrow), periosteum (outer membrane), and articular cartilage (covers ends). Functions include support, movement, and mineral storage.

What are the properties of compact and spongy bone tissue?

Compact bone is dense and provides strength for weight-bearing; spongy bone is lighter, contains marrow, and supports the inner structure while allowing for flexibility.

What is the process and purpose of bone growth and remodeling?

Bone growth occurs through processes like endochondral and intramembranous ossification; remodeling involves resorption and formation, maintaining bone strength and adapting to stress.

What are the components and functions of blood?

Blood components include red blood cells (carry oxygen), white blood cells (immune response), platelets (clotting), and plasma (transport nutrients, waste, and hormones); functions include transport, regulation, and protection.

What are the components of the lymphatic system and its basic function?

The lymphatic system comprises lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen, and thymus; its basic function is to transport lymph and play a critical role in the immune response.