Histology study guide

What is histology?

The study of tissues, their structures, and how they are arranged to form organs.

What are the four main types of tissues in the body?

Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous

What are the general characteristics of connective tissue?

Most abundant tissue type, provides support, protection, and binding; vascularity varies.

What are the main components of connective tissue?

Cells, Fibers, Ground substance.

Define ground substance in connective tissue.

Gel-like material that supports cells and allows diffusion.

What are the three main types of connective tissue fibers?

Collagen fibers, Elastic fibers, Reticular fibers.

What is the function of fibroblasts in connective tissue?

They make fibers and ground substance.

What are the types of loose connective tissue?

Areolar, Adipose, Reticular.

What are the functions of adipose tissue?

Stores energy and insulates.

What distinguishes simple epithelial tissue from stratified epithelial tissue?

Simple has a single cell layer, while stratified has multiple layers.

Describe the cell shapes in epithelial tissue.

Squamous (flat), Cuboidal (cube-shaped), Columnar (tall).

What is the role of the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?

Anchors epithelium to connective tissue and provides support.

What type of muscle tissue is voluntary?

Skeletal muscle.

What is the main function of cardiac muscle tissue?

Pumps blood.

What is the functional cell of nervous tissue?

Neuron.

What are the major parts of a neuron?

Cell body (soma), Dendrites, Axon.

Where is nervous tissue found and what are its functions?

Found in brain, spinal cord, and nerves; functions include sensation, integration, motor control, regulation of body activities.