Study Guide 4 '

What is a tissue?

A group of similar cells performing a common function.

What is histology?

The study of tissues (microscopic anatomy).

What are the four primary tissue types and their functions?

1. Epithelial – covers/lines, secretion, absorption
2. Connective – support, bind, protect
3. Muscle – movement via contraction
4. Nervous – communication, control

What does H&E stain show?

Hematoxylin stains nuclei blue; eosin stains cytoplasm pink.

What are key characteristics of epithelial tissue?

Polarity, basement membrane, avascular, high regeneration.

Functions of epithelial tissue?

Protection, absorption, secretion, excretion, sensation.

Classification by layers?

Simple (1), stratified (many), pseudostratified (appears layered but all touch basement).

Classification by shape?

Squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube), columnar (tall).

Give examples of epithelial types + locations.

• Simple squamous → lungs (alveoli), vessels
• Simple cuboidal → kidney tubules, glands
• Simple columnar → GI tract, uterus
• Pseudostratified columnar → trachea, respiratory tract
• Stratified squamous → skin, mouth, esophagus
• Transitional → bladder, ureters

Difference between endocrine vs exocrine glands?

Endocrine → hormones into blood; Exocrine → into ducts (sweat, saliva).

What are the 3 modes of glandular secretion?

Merocrine (exocytosis), Apocrine (part pinched off), Holocrine (cell ruptures).

General functions of connective tissue?

Binding, support, protection, insulation, transport.

What makes up connective tissue?

Cells + extracellular matrix (fibers + ground substance).

What are the 3 main fiber types and functions?

Collagen = strong/tensile, Elastic = stretch/recoil, Reticular = delicate support.

What are the three broad categories of connective tissue?

Proper, supporting, fluid.

Examples of connective tissue proper?

Loose (areolar, adipose, reticular) and Dense (regular, irregular, elastic).

Examples of supporting connective tissue?

Cartilage (hyaline, elastic, fibrocartilage), Bone (compact, spongy).

Examples of fluid connective tissue?

Blood, lymph.

What are the three muscle types?

Skeletal, Cardiac, Smooth.

Features of skeletal muscle?

Striated, multinucleated, voluntary, movement/posture.

Features of cardiac muscle?

Striated, branched, intercalated discs, involuntary, pumps blood.

Features of smooth muscle?

Spindle-shaped, no striations, single nucleus, involuntary, in hollow organs.

Where is nervous tissue found?

Brain, spinal cord, nerves.

What are the parts of a neuron?

Soma (cell body), dendrites (receive), axon (send).

What do neuroglia (glial cells) do?

Support, protect, and nourish neurons.

What are the four types of membranes?

Mucous, Serous, Cutaneous, Synovial.

Which membrane is the skin?

Cutaneous (epidermis + dermis).

Which membrane lines joint cavities?

Synovial.

What are the two main repair processes?

Regeneration (same cells) and Fibrosis (scar tissue).

Which tissues regenerate well?

Epithelial, bone, areolar, dense irregular.

Which tissues heal poorly or not at all?

Poor = cartilage, skeletal muscle; None = cardiac muscle, CNS neurons.