Unit II. Cells, Tissues, Glands and Membranes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on cells, tissues, glands, membranes, and inflammation.

Cell Membrane

Outer semi-solid covering of the cell that facilitates movement of cell parts and provides protection.

Nucleus

Controls and regulates cell activities (growth, metabolism) and contains hereditary information.

Nucleolus

Site within the nucleus where ribosome production begins.

Chromatin

DNA packaged into compact units to fit inside the nucleus.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER involved in production, folding, quality control and dispatch of some proteins; ribosomes are attached.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

ER that synthesizes lipids/phospholipids and steroids; abundant in cells like those in testes, ovaries, and skin glands.

Ribosomes

Protein builders; synthesize proteins by linking amino acids.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts and packages proteins for secretion; involved in lipid transport and lysosome formation.

Golgi Vesicle

Vesicles pinched from the Golgi that transport substances through the cell.

Cytoplasm

Filling fluid of the cell where organelles float; provides protection.

Vacuole

Stores nutrients and waste; helps maintain cell survival and homeostasis.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; generates energy through cellular respiration.

Lysosome

Digestive organelle that breaks down excess or worn-out components and pathogens.

Peroxisome

Oxidizes fatty acids and amino acids; neutralizes free radicals to prevent cellular damage.

Centrosome

Microtubule organizing center that regulates the cell cycle by assembling microtubules.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal filaments that move chromosomes during cell division and organize cell contents.

Microfilaments

Thin protein filaments that help maintain cell shape and enable movement.

Intermediate Filaments

Filaments that provide mechanical support to the plasma membrane and resist tension.

Secretory Vesicle

Stores and transports substances between cells or within the cell.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete products through ducts onto surfaces or cavities.

Unicellular Gland

Gland consisting of a single cell (e.g., goblet cells).

Goblet Cells

Unicellular glands that secrete mucus in the intestinal and respiratory tracts.

Simple Tubular Gland

Gland with a straight tubular secretory portion and a single non-branched duct.

Simple Branched Tubular Gland

Gland with tubular secretory units that branch out.

Simple Alveolar Gland

Gland with a sac-like secretory portion; few human examples.

Simple Branched Alveolar Gland

Gland with branching sac-like secretory units.

Compound Tubular Gland

Gland with branched ducts and tubular secretory units.

Compound Alveolar Gland

Gland with branched ducts and sac-like secretory units.

Compound Tubuloalveolar Gland

Gland combining tubular and alveolar secretory portions with branching.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities; functions include protection, secretion, absorption and diffusion.

Mucous Membrane

Membrane lining digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive tracts; secretions coat the surface.

Serous Membrane

Membrane that lines closed body cavities (peritoneal, pleural, pericardial) with parietal and visceral layers.

Cutaneous Membrane

Skin; the membrane that covers the body surface.

Histology

Study of tissues.

Pathologist

Physician who studies cells and tissues to aid diagnoses.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that connects and supports organs and tissues; ranges from avascular to highly vascular with extracellular matrix.

Collagen Fibers

Tough, flexible fibers making up about 25% of body protein; resistant to pulling.

Elastin Fibers

Elastic fibers that stretch and recoil; abundant in lungs, vessels and cartilage.

Reticular Fibers

Fine fibers forming the supportive framework in organs like spleen and lymph nodes.

Skeletal Muscle

Striated, tubular, multinucleated muscle attached to bone; voluntary control.

Cardiac Muscle

Striated, branched, usually uninucleated muscle in the heart walls; involuntary with intercalated discs.

Smooth Muscle

Spindle-shaped, non-striated, uninucleated muscle in walls of internal organs; involuntary.

Neuroglial Tissue

Supportive cells for neurons that provide nourishment and protection.

Neurons

Nervous tissue specialized for transmitting impulses; primary functional cells of the nervous system.