Chapter 4: The Tissue Level of Organization

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the tissue level of organization in Anatomy & Physiology, including types of tissues, their functions, and interactions.

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

Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous.

What is the study of tissues called?

Histology.

What is the primary function of epithelial tissue?

Covers exposed surfaces, lines internal passageways, and forms glands.

Describe the main functions of connective tissue.

Fills internal spaces, supports other tissues, transports materials, and stores energy.

Identify the types of muscle tissue.

Skeletal muscle, Cardiac muscle, Smooth muscle.

What are the two primary types of fluid connective tissues?

Blood and lymph.

What do cartilage and bone function as?

Supporting connective tissues.

How do epithelial and connective tissues work together?

They combine to form four types of tissue membranes.

What are the three specialized functional characteristics of epithelial tissue?

Polarity, Cellularity, and Attachment.

What type of secretion is associated with merocrine glands?

Released by secretory vesicles via exocytosis.

What characterizes stratified squamous epithelia?

Protect against mechanical stresses.

Where is simple cuboidal epithelium commonly found?

In glands and portions of kidney tubules.

What is the primary function of simple columnar epithelium?

Absorption and secretion.

What is the role of fibroblasts in connective tissue?

The most abundant cell type that secretes proteins and hyaluronan.

What type of connective tissue is known for its ‘packing’ function?

Loose connective tissue.

What are adipocytes?

Fat cells that store a single, large fat droplet.

What are the three types of cartilage?

Hyaline cartilage, Elastic cartilage, Fibrocartilage.

What are the components of connective tissue?

Specialized cells, extracellular protein fibers, and fluid called ground substance.

What functions do serous membranes perform?

Line cavities that do not open to the outside and reduce friction.

Which type of muscle tissue is striated and voluntary?

Skeletal muscle.

What is a unique feature of cardiac muscle tissue?

Contains intercalated discs.

What are the major components of nervous tissue?

Neurons and neuroglia.

What occurs during the inflammatory response?

Damaged cells release chemicals causing blood vessels to dilate and increase permeability.

How do tissues regenerate?

Through the process of inflammation followed by cellular regeneration.

What defines connective tissue proper?

Connective tissue that connects and protects.

What is regeneration in the context of tissue repair?

The process of restoring normal function after injury.

What changes occur in tissues as a result of aging?

Thinner epithelia, fragile connective tissues, increased bruising, brittle bones.

What primarily characterizes elastic fibers?

They contain elastin and return to original length after stretching.

What is the main function of macrophages in connective tissue?

To engulf pathogens and damaged cells.

What distinguishes exocrine glands from endocrine glands?

Exocrine glands have ducts and release secretions onto epithelial surfaces, while endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream without ducts.

What is the function of reticular fibers in connective tissue?

They form a supportive network (stroma) for organs and stabilize functional cells.

Where are transitional epithelia found, and what is their function?

In the urinary bladder; they tolerate repeated cycles of stretching without damage.

What type of connective tissue structure does dense connective tissue have?

Many collagen fibers, tightly packed and arranged in parallel.

What are three types of muscle tissue?

Skeletal, Cardiac, Smooth.

What are the three types of secretion from glands?

Merocrine, Apocrine, Holocrine.

How does the extracellular matrix influence connective tissue?

It determines the specialized functions of the connective tissue.

What is the function of synovial membranes?

To line joint cavities and produce synovial fluid for lubrication.

What defines the apical and basal surfaces of epithelial tissue?

Polarity; apical is exposed while basal is attached to the basement membrane.

What is the primary role of lymph in the body?

To return interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and monitor immune responses.

What type of connective tissue provides structural frameworks, like fasciae?

Dense connective tissue.

Which cells are responsible for generating electrical signals in nervous tissue?

Neurons.

What is a defining property of fibrocartilage?

It is very durable and limits movement.

How do serous membranes reduce friction in the body?

By secreting serous fluid between the layers.

What lifestyle factor significantly increases cancer rates with age?

Cigarette smoke.