Anatomy and Physiology: Tissues and the Integumentary System

Flashcards covering tissue types, epithelial classifications, glandular secretions, muscle and nervous tissues, the inflammatory response, and the layers and functions of the integumentary system.

Tissue

A group of cells that work together to perform one or more specialized functions.

Epithelial tissue

A type of tissue that covers exposed surfaces, lines passageways/cavities, and can produce glandular secretions.

Avascular

A defining characteristic of epithelial tissue referring to the absence of blood vessels.

Squamous

A category of epithelial tissue cells that are wider than their height.

Cuboidal

A category of epithelial tissue cells that have the same height, width, and depth.

Columnar

A category of epithelial tissue cells whose height is greater than their width.

Pseudostratified epithelium

A special category of epithelium where cells appear stratified and multi-layer, but there is only $1$ layer.

Transitional epithelium

A special category of epithelium that can expand and stretch to absorb fluid.

Exocrine glands

Glands that release products directly onto an epithelial surface through a duct or tube.

Endocrine glands

Glands that secrete products directly into connective tissue.

Merocrine, apocrine, and holocrine

The three major ways exocrine glands release secretory products.

Connective tissue

A tissue type that provides support, structure, protection, and insulation for the body.

Connective tissue fibers

The three main types of fibers found in connective tissue: collagen, reticular fibers, and elastic fibers.

Connective tissue proper

A general category of connective tissue that includes loose and dense connective tissues.

Fluid connective tissues

A general category of connective tissue that includes blood and lymph.

Supporting connective tissues

A general category of connective tissue that includes cartilage and bone.

Nervous tissue

A tissue specialized for conducting electrical impulses, consisting of neurons and neuroglia.

Neurons

A major type of neural tissue specialized for conducting electrical impulses; most cannot grow and divide.

Neuroglia

One of the two major types of neural tissue that serve as supporting cells.

Skeletal muscle

Striated, voluntary muscle tissue whose fibers do not have the ability to divide to replace lost cells.

Cardiac muscle

Striated, involuntary muscle tissue with extremely limited regenerative capacity.

Smooth muscle

Nonstriated, involuntary muscle tissue with a very high regenerative capacity.

Inflammatory response

The first phase of tissue repair triggered by signals such as prostaglandins, proteins, and ions from damaged cells.

$5$ cardinal signs of inflammation

The definitive indicators of the inflammatory response: (1) redness, (2) swelling, (3) heat, (4) pain, and (5) loss of function.

Regeneration

The second phase of tissue repair which begins to restore the original function of the tissue.

Mast cells

Cells that respond to damage by releasing chemicals like histamine to dilate blood vessels and increase permeability.

Integumentary system

The body system composed of the skin and accessory organs that plays a critical role in protecting internal organs.

Epidermis

The most superficial layer of the skin.

Dermis

The middle layer of the skin located between the epidermis and the hypodermis.

Hypodermis

The deepest layer of the skin.

ABCDE

An easy method to remember how to check for skin cancer: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution.