Levels of Biological Organization and Tissue Types

The flashcards cover key concepts related to levels of biological organization and various tissue types as discussed in the lecture.

Levels of Biological Organization

The hierarchy of biological structure from atoms to the organism as a whole.

Chemical Level

The most basic level of biological organization, consisting of atoms and molecules.

Cellular Level

The level where molecules form cells, which perform specific functions.

Tissue Level

A level where similar cells and extracellular materials combine to form tissues.

Organ Level

The level where different tissues work together to form organs.

System Level

A level where organs work together to form body systems.

Epithelial Tissue

A tissue type that covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.

Connective Tissue

A tissue type that supports, binds, and fills spaces, storing energy.

Muscle Tissue

A tissue type that produces movement through contraction.

Neural Tissue

A tissue type that conducts electrical impulses and processes information.

Apical Surface

The upper surface of epithelial cells that may have microvilli or cilia.

Basal Membrane

The layer that anchors epithelial cells to underlying connective tissues.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat cells, allowing for absorption and diffusion.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells that protect against abrasion, found in skin and mucous membranes.

Cuboidal Epithelium

Cube-shaped epithelial cells, involved in secretion and absorption.

Transitional Epithelium

A type of epithelium that can stretch, found in the bladder.

Columnar Epithelium

Tall, rectangular cells that are involved in absorption and secretion.

Occluding Junctions

Cell junctions that prevent diffusion between adjacent epithelial cells.

Desmosomes

Strong junctions that provide mechanical stability and resist shearing forces.

Hemidesmosomes

Junctions that anchor epithelial cells to the basal membrane.