Unit F170: Fundamentals of Human Biology - Cells and Microscopy Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering Topic Area 1 (Human cells and tissues) and observation methods from Unit F170: Fundamentals of human biology.

Fully-formed erythrocyte

A specialized cell that serves as the exception among human eukaryotic cells by lacking a nucleus.

Ribosome locations

Structures found located in the cytoplasm, on the surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and in the matrix of the mitochondrion.

Golgi body/apparatus

An organelle involved in cell processing that forms both vesicles and lysosomes.

Transmission electron microscope (TEM)

A type of electron microscope used to observe detailed cell features in electrophotomicrographs.

Dormant stem cells

Stem cells that can remain inactive for many years and are triggered to differentiate by their microenvironment.

Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs)

Stem cells that can be maintained and expanded in vitro for long time periods before being induced to differentiate.

White blood cells

A group of specialized blood cells that includes neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes.

Hepatocyte

A highly-specialized liver cell.

Ciliated epithelial cells

Specialized cells equipped with cilia that line the trachea and oviduct.

Squamous epithelial cells

Specialized flattened cells forming the lining of the alveoli.

Muscle cell categories

Highly-specialized contractile cells comprising skeletal/striated, smooth, and cardiac muscle cells.

Epithelial cells of gastric pits

Specialized epithelial cells located within the gastric pits of the stomach lining.

Endosymbiotic theory

The theory proposing that the mitochondrion may be considered as a prokaryote existing inside a eukaryotic cell.

Light/optical (LM) microscope

A microscope that uses optical light to observe cells, requiring temporary slide preparation for specimen viewing.

Stage microtome

A mechanical device used for cutting thin sections of biological material during slide preparation.

Scanning electron microscope (SEM)

An electron microscope used to examine surfaces and produce electron micrographs for comparison with TEM.