Anatomy & Physiology: Tissues and the Cutaneous Membrane

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell junction types, tissue classifications, muscle types, connective tissues, and cutaneous membrane anatomy based on Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 study guides.

Tissue

A collection of specialized cells that work together to perform specific functions.

Epithelial Tissue

A primary tissue type responsible for protection and secretion, existing in simple or stratified squamous, cuboidal, and columnar cell arrangements.

Connective Tissue

A primary tissue type that provides structural support, transportation, and energy storage.

Muscle Tissue

A primary tissue type whose contractions produce body movement.

Nervous Tissue

A primary tissue type responsible for conducting electrical impulses, processing information, and controlling responses.

Tight Junction

A cell junction where proteins join adjacent cell membranes tightly to create a waterproof layer of cells, such as in the lining of the intestines.

Gap Junction

A cell junction composed of channel proteins (junctional proteins and connexons) spanning cell membranes of adjacent cells to allow ions and small molecules to pass directly between cells, found in cardiac muscle.

Desmosome

A cell junction formed by CAMs joining the membranes of two adjacent cells, reinforced by dense areas connected to intermediate filaments to provide strong attachment between cells, found in skin.

Hemidesmosome

A cell junction that anchors a cell to the basement membrane to stabilize its position, found at the bottom layer of epithelial cells in the skin.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that release their secretions onto an epithelial surface or into a body cavity.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Areolar Connective Tissue

A loose connective tissue proper containing various cell types (mostly fibroblasts) and an open framework of protein fibers rich in elastic fibers in a viscous ground substance that wraps and cushions organs.

Adipose Tissue

A loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes in a solid matrix of collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers in viscous ground substance, functioning in energy storage, insulation, and protection.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

A dense connective tissue containing fibroblasts and tightly packed parallel bundles of collagen fibers with very little ground substance, providing strong attachments in tendons and ligaments.

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

A dense connective tissue containing various cell types (mostly fibroblasts) and a solid matrix of collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers in viscous ground substance to provide strength.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue consisting of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets in a liquid matrix (plasma) that functions in transport and protection.

Lymph

A fluid connective tissue containing lymphocytes within a clear fluid matrix that functions in immune defense.

Cartilage

A supporting connective tissue containing chondrocytes within a firm, flexible matrix that provides support and protection.

Bone

A supporting connective tissue containing osteocytes and osteoblasts within a hard, mineralized matrix that functions in movement, support, and mineral storage.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue attached to bones that consists of long, striated cells.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue located in the heart consisting of branched, striated cells that pump blood.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue found in the digestive tract consisting of spindle-shaped, non-striated cells.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin made of stratified squamous tissue containing layers of keratinocytes along with pigments such as melanin and carotene.

Epidermal Layers

The five structural layers of keratinocytes in thick skin: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.

Thin Skin

Skin that contains only 4 layers of keratinocytes, omitting the stratum lucidum layer present in thick skin.

Dermis

The deeper layer of the skin responsible for fingerprints, containing a papillary region of areolar tissue and a reticular region of dense regular connective tissue.

Keratinocyte Life Cycle

The process where keratinocytes are born, move upward, fill with keratin, die, and form the protective outer layer of the skin.

Apocrine Sweat Gland

Glands located in the armpits, pubis area, and around nipples that produce secretions where natural bacterial growth causes odor.

Eccrine / Merocrine Sweat Gland

Glands located on the palms, soles, and general body surface that secrete sweat directly onto the skin.

UV Radiation

Solar radiation that helps the skin produce Vitamin D, enabling the body to absorb calcium and improve bone health.