ai flashcards for cmm exam 1

What is the parenchyma of an organ?

The functional tissue of an organ.

What is the stroma of an organ?

The supporting connective tissue that surrounds and supports the parenchyma.

Define cytology.

The study of individual cell types and structures.

What is hematoxylin

and what does it stain?

What is eosin

and what does it stain?

What is the function of tight (occluding) junctions?

Create an impermeable barrier between epithelial cells; associated with actin filaments.

What is the function of adherens junctions?

Anchor cells to each other using cadherins and actin filaments.

What is the function of gap junctions?

Allow cell-to-cell communication by permitting passage of small molecules/ions.

What is the function of desmosomes?

Act like bolts

What is the function of hemidesmosomes?

Anchor epithelial cells to the basal lamina using intermediate filaments.

What are the two main functions of stratified squamous keratinized epithelium?

Barrier against abrasion and moisture retention.

What is the main function of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium?

Moves mucus and traps debris.

Functions of simple columnar epithelium?

Secretion

Functions of simple cuboidal epithelium?

Secretion and absorption; protective barrier.

Function of simple squamous endothelium?

Allows rapid exchange of gases/nutrients; serves as a thin protective barrier.

Function of fibroblasts?

Produce ECM

Function of adipocytes?

Store lipids and energy.

Function of mast cells?

Release histamine

Function of macrophages?

Phagocytose pathogens and debris.

Function of plasma cells?

Secrete antibodies.

Compare epithelium vs connective tissue: cell density.

Epithelium → high density; CT → fewer cells with abundant ECM.

Compare epithelium vs connective tissue: polarity.

Epithelium → polar (apical

Compare epithelium vs connective tissue: vascularity.

Epithelium → avascular; CT → variable vascularity.

Compare epithelium vs connective tissue: basal lamina.

Epithelium → present; CT → absent.

Compare skeletal

cardiac

Nucleus position in skeletal vs cardiac vs smooth muscle.

Skeletal = peripheral; Cardiac = central; Smooth = central/elongated.

Number of nuclei per cell in skeletal

cardiac

Intercalated discs are present in which muscle type?

Cardiac muscle.

Which muscle types can regenerate?

Skeletal and smooth (high regeneration); Cardiac = limited.

What are the main components of a peripheral nerve?

Axons

What glial cells are found in peripheral nerves vs ganglia?

Nerves → Schwann cells; Ganglia → Satellite cells.

Where are nerve cell bodies located?

In the ganglia.

Which structure forms the blood-tissue barrier in nerves?

The perineurium.

Match cartilage type to location: Epiglottis

Intervertebral disc

What is chondroitin sulfate

and why is it important?

What is appositional growth of cartilage?

Growth from perichondrium via chondroblasts.

What is interstitial growth of cartilage?

Growth from within the matrix via chondrocytes forming isogenous groups.

Define compact bone.

Dense outer bone providing strength and protection.

Define trabecular bone.

Spongy bone involved in load-bearing.

What is woven bone?

Immature bone

What is lamellar bone?

Mature bone

Define endochondral ossification.

Replacement of hyaline cartilage with bone → long bone growth.

Define intramembranous ossification.

Flat bone formation from mesenchymal cells → osteoblasts.

What is the epiphyseal plate?

Growth plate of long bones (hyaline cartilage); site of length growth.

Effects of calcitonin on bone?

Inhibits osteoclasts → lowers blood Ca²⁺.

Effects of parathyroid hormone on bone?

Stimulates osteoclasts → raises blood Ca²⁺.

Function of albumin in blood?

Maintains colloid osmotic pressure.

Function of erythrocytes?

Transport O₂ and CO₂.

What is spectrin

and what is its role?

Which cell gives rise to platelets?

Megakaryocytes.

Which leukocyte is elevated in allergic reactions and parasitic infections?

Eosinophils.

Which leukocyte is elevated in acute inflammation?

Neutrophils.

Which leukocyte plays a major role in adaptive immunity?

Lymphocytes.

Which leukocyte differentiates into macrophages in tissues?

Monocytes.

What are the three layers of blood vessels?

Tunica intima

Characteristic feature of elastic (large) arteries?

Multiple layers of smooth muscle + elastic lamellae.

Characteristic feature of muscular (medium) arteries?

Prominent internal elastic lamina; smooth muscle in media.

Characteristic feature of arterioles?

Very thin walls

Types of capillaries and examples?

Continuous (tight junctions

Characteristic of medium veins vs arteries?

Medium veins have thinner media

Large veins contain what special muscle layer?

Longitudinal smooth muscle in tunica adventitia.

What are the three layers of the heart wall?

Endocardium