Anatomy & Physiology I – Lab Study Guide: Epithelial & Connective Tissues

Flashcards covering general characteristics, functions, special features, and locations of epithelial and connective tissues, based on lecture notes.

What are the primary functions of epithelial tissue?

Covers and lines surfaces, protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, and diffusion.

Describe the vascularity of epithelial tissue.

Avascular, meaning it lacks its own blood supply.

What structure anchors epithelial cells to underlying connective tissue?

Basement membrane.

Name the three main types of junctions found in epithelial tissue.

Tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes.

What is the main function of connective tissue?

Supports, binds, protects, stores energy, and transports substances.

Is connective tissue generally vascular or avascular?

Generally vascular, with the exception of cartilage.

What is the main composition of connective tissue?

Composed of cells residing in an abundant extracellular matrix.

What are the two main components of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue?

Protein fibers (collagen, elastin, reticular) and ground substance (proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans).

Which type of protein fiber in connective tissue provides strength and resists stretching?

Collagen fibers.

Which type of protein fiber in connective tissue provides flexibility?

Elastic fibers.

Which type of protein fiber in connective tissue provides support?

Reticular fibers.

What is the function of tight junctions in epithelial tissue?

Prevent leakage between cells.

What is the function of desmosomes in epithelial tissue?

Provide strength by anchoring cells together.

What is the function of gap junctions in epithelial tissue?

Allow communication between cells.

What are characteristics of cartilage regarding blood supply and healing?

It is avascular and heals slowly.

Why does cartilage heal slowly?

Because it is avascular, meaning it lacks a direct blood supply.

What are two key characteristics of bone tissue?

It is vascular and remodels continuously.

Where can simple squamous epithelium be found?

In the alveoli of the lungs and lining of blood vessels.

Where is stratified squamous epithelium typically located?

Skin, esophagus, and oral cavity.

Name a location where simple cuboidal epithelium is found.

Kidney tubules and glands.

In which organs would you find simple columnar epithelium?

The digestive tract and uterus.

Where is pseudostratified columnar epithelium specifically found?

The respiratory tract, such as the trachea.

Which type of epithelium lines the urinary bladder and can stretch or change shape?

Transitional epithelium.

Where is loose connective tissue (Areolar) commonly found?

Under epithelia.

What is the primary location of adipose tissue?

Subcutaneous layer and around organs.

Name the type of connective tissue that forms tendons and ligaments.

Dense regular connective tissue.

Where is dense irregular connective tissue located?

In the dermis of the skin.

What type of cartilage is found in the nose, trachea, and at the ends of long bones?

Hyaline cartilage.

Which type of cartilage provides flexibility to the ear and epiglottis?

Elastic cartilage.

Where is fibrocartilage typically located?

In intervertebral discs.

What is the main function of bone tissue?

Provides structural support for the skeleton and acts as levers for movement.

Which connective tissue has a fluid extracellular matrix and transports substances?

Blood.

Which epithelium is specialized for absorption in the digestive tract?

Simple columnar epithelium.

What type of epithelium is specialized for secretion in glands?

Simple cuboidal epithelium.

What is the difference between simple and stratified epithelia?

Simple epithelia have a single layer of cells, while stratified epithelia have multiple layers of cells.

What type of epithelium has cilia and is found lining the trachea?

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

Which connective tissue stores energy, cushions, and insulates the body?

Adipose tissue.

Which connective tissue forms the framework of soft organs like lymph nodes or the spleen?

Reticular connective tissue.

Which epithelial tissue allows diffusion in the alveoli of the lungs?

Simple squamous epithelium.

What type of cartilage is specifically found at the ends of long bones?

Hyaline cartilage.

Which connective tissue fills spaces and provides packing material under epithelia?

Loose CT (Areolar).

Which connective tissue has concentric lamellae around central canals?

Bone tissue.