Connective Tissue and Muscle Types

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to connective tissues, muscle types, and skin structure based on the provided lecture notes.

Blast cells

Very active cells that make matrix and are sometimes stem cells.

Cyte cells

Mature less active cells, often involved in maintaining the matrix.

Fibroblast

Cells that make the extracellular matrix and collagen.

Mast cell

Cells that produce histamine, which is involved in inflammation.

Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell important for immune response.

Neutrophil

A type of white blood cell involved in the body's defense against infection.

Extracellular matrix

The non-cellular component found in connective tissues that provides structural and biochemical support.

Ground substance

The main component of the extracellular matrix that fills gaps between cells.

Collagen fibers

The most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix that provides tensile strength.

Elastic fibers

Fibers made of elastin that provide elasticity and flexibility.

Reticular fibers

Collagen fibers coated with glycoprotein that form a supportive network.

Loose connective tissue

A type of connective tissue with a gel-like matrix that cushions organs.

Adipose tissue

Connective tissue that stores fat and provides insulation.

Reticular connective tissue

Loose network of reticular fibers that forms a soft internal skeleton in lymphoid organs.

Dense regular connective tissue

Contains parallel collagen fibers, providing tensile strength in one direction.

Dense irregular connective tissue

Consists of irregularly arranged collagen fibers, allowing resistance to tension in multiple directions.

Elastic dense connective tissue

Dense regular connective tissue with a high proportion of elastic fibers for recoil.

Hyaline cartilage

A type of cartilage characterized by a firm matrix that supports while allowing flexibility.

Elastic cartilage

Cartilage with more elastic fibers to maintain shape with flexibility.

Fibrocartilage

A tough cartilage that absorbs compressive shock and provides tensile strength.

Bone (osseous tissue)

A hardened connective tissue organized into a structure called osteons.

Blood

A fluid connective tissue that transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste products.

Skeletal muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue characterized by long, cylindrical, multinucleate cells with striations.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue found in the heart, characterized by branching cells joined by intercalated discs.

Smooth muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue that propels substances along internal passageways.

Nervous tissue

Tissue composed of neurons and supporting glial cells that facilitate rapid communication.

Mucous membranes

Membranes that line body cavities open to the exterior, producing mucus.

Serous membranes

Membranes that line body cavities closed to the exterior.

Regeneration

The process of replacement of destroyed tissue with the same kind of tissue.

Fibrosis

The repair process where connective tissue replaces damaged tissue, resulting in scar formation.

Hyperplasia

Tissue growth through increased cell numbers.

Hypertrophy

Enlargement of existing cells.

Neoplasia

The development of a tumor, which can be benign or malignant.

Differentiation

The process where unspecialized embryonic tissues develop into specialized mature types.

Metaplasia

A reversible change from one type of mature tissue to another.

Necrosis

Premature cell death due to injury or disease.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin, consisting of several layers, including dead keratinocytes.

Dermis

The thicker layer beneath the epidermis that contains connective tissue.

Epidermal water barrier

A barrier that prevents water loss, formed primarily in the stratum granulosum.