Chapter 4: Tissues

These flashcards cover key concepts related to tissues and histology based on the provided lecture notes.

Epithelial Tissue

Type of tissue with many cells tightly packed together and little to no extracellular matrix.

Connective Tissue

Type of tissue with a few scattered cells surrounded by large amounts of extracellular matrix.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Pathology

The study of the causes and effects of disease, especially the structural and functional changes.

Intracellular Junctions

Structures that attach cells at cell membranes or cytoskeleton to hold tissue together.

Tight Junctions

Leak-proof seals between adjacent plasma membranes preventing leaks of organ contents.

Adherens Junctions

Adhesion belts that prevent separation and anchor cells using cadherin proteins.

Desmosomes

Spot welds linking cells with cadherin and intermediate filaments, preventing separation under tension.

Hemidesmosomes

Half-welds that join cells to the basement membrane using integrins.

Gap Junctions

Pores that allow small substances to pass between cells for communication and signaling.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flat cells found in areas where diffusion and filtration occur.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells involved in secretion and absorption.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of column-like cells that provide protection, secretion, and absorption.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears to have layers due to nuclei at various depths but is a single layer of cells.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells with a squamous shape, providing protection against friction.

Transitional Epithelium

Several layers of cells that can stretch and hold fluid, located in the urinary bladder.

Glandular Epithelium

Epithelium adapted for secretion, including endocrine and exocrine glands.

Merocrine Secretion

The secretion process in which products are discharged by exocytosis.

Apocrine Secretion

Secretion process where the apical surface accumulates vesicles and pinches off.

Holocrine Secretion

Secretion involving the accumulation of vesicles that are discharged when the cell dies.

Fibroblasts

Immature connective tissue cells that secrete protein fibers and ground substance.

Chondrocytes

Connective tissue cells that create cartilage.

Adipocytes

Cells that store triglycerides and are found in adipose tissue.

Collagen Fibers

Tough connective tissue fibers that resist stretching while remaining flexible.

Elastic Fibers

Thin fibers that can stretch and recoil; found in structures like arteries.

Bone

A type of mature connective tissue that supports, protects, and stores minerals.

Blood

Atypical liquid connective tissue that transports nutrients and waste products.

Synovial Membranes

Connective tissue membranes that enclose joints and secrete synovial fluid.