BIOL 2251 Lab: Tissue Histology Study Activity

Flashcards covering key tissue types, cells, and structures discussed in the BIOL 2251 Lab Tissue Histology study activity.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flattened cells, as observed in tissues like the lung.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells, as observed in tissues like the kidney.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A single layer of column-shaped cells, as observed in tissues like the common bile duct and small intestine.

Goblet cell

A cell type identified within simple columnar epithelium, often found in the small intestine.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

A tissue appearing layered but consisting of a single layer of cells with nuclei at varying heights, as observed in the trachea.

Cilia

Hair-like projections on the apical surface of some epithelial cells, identified on pseudostratified columnar epithelium in the trachea.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium (non-keratinized)

Multiple layers of flattened cells without keratin, providing protection, as observed in the esophagus.

Transitional Epithelium

A stratified epithelial tissue with cells that can change shape (distend), found lining organs like the bladder.

Areolar Connective Tissue

A loose connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibers and fibroblasts, as observed in the mesentery.

Collagen Fibers

Strong, flexible protein fibers, a common structural component found in various connective tissues like areolar, dense regular, dense irregular, and fibrocartilage.

Elastic Fibers

Thin, branching protein fibers that provide elasticity to tissues, identified in areolar and elastic cartilage.

Fibroblast

The most common cell type in connective tissue proper, responsible for producing fibers and ground substance, found in areolar, dense regular, and dense irregular connective tissues.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue primarily composed of adipocytes (fat cells) specialized for lipid storage, identified in lab slides and lymph nodes.

Nucleus of Adipose Cells

The nucleus of a fat cell, typically pressed to the periphery by a large lipid droplet, identified within adipose tissue.

Reticular Connective Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue forming a delicate network (stroma) with reticular fibers and cells like lymphocytes, found in lymph nodes.

Reticular Fibers

Fine, branching collagen fibers that form the delicate framework (stroma) of reticular connective tissue.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell involved in the immune system, identified in reticular connective tissue (e.g., lymph node).

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue with densely packed, parallel collagen fibers, providing strength in one direction, identified in lab slides.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue with densely packed, irregularly arranged collagen fibers, providing strength in multiple directions, as observed in thick skin.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common type of cartilage, appearing smooth and glassy, with chondrocytes in lacunae, found in areas like the trachea.

Chondrocytes in Lacunae

Mature cartilage cells (chondrocytes) residing within small spaces (lacunae) within the cartilage matrix, identified in all cartilage types.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage containing numerous elastic fibers, providing flexibility and resiliency, found in the epiglottis.

Fibrocartilage

The strongest type of cartilage, containing thick bundles of collagen fibers and chondrocytes in lacunae, found in structures like intervertebral disks.

Bone (Osseous Tissue)

Hard, calcified connective tissue that forms the skeleton, exemplified by compact bone.

Osteons

The primary structural unit of compact bone, consisting of concentric lamellae (layers) around a central canal, identified in osseous tissue.

Haversian (Central) Canal

The central channel within an osteon, containing blood vessels and nerves, identified in osseous tissue.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells, located in lacunae within the bone matrix, identified in osseous tissue.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue composed of plasma and formed elements like erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, identified in blood tissue.

Leukocytes

White blood cells, identified in blood tissue.

Platelets

Small, anucleated cell fragments involved in blood clotting, identified in blood tissue.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue specialized for generating and transmitting electrical signals, making up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Neuron

The main functional cell of nervous tissue, responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.

Glial Cell

Non-neuronal support cells in nervous tissue that provide nourishment and protection for neurons.

Neuron Processes

Extensions (dendrites and axons) from a neuron's cell body that conduct electrical signals, identified in nervous tissue.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Voluntary, striated muscle tissue responsible for movement of the skeleton.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Involuntary, striated muscle tissue found only in the heart, characterized by intercalated discs.

Intercalated Discs

Specialized cell junctions found in cardiac muscle, allowing for coordinated contraction and communication between cells.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Involuntary muscle tissue lacking striations, found in the walls of internal organs like the digestive tract.

Organ

A group of different tissues working together to perform a specific function.