Chapter 4 Study Guide

Tissues

Epithelium

Tissue type characterized by tightly packed cells forming continuous layers, classified by shape and layering.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of epithelial cells, facilitating diffusion and filtration.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple layers of epithelial cells providing protection against abrasion and pathogens.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Appears layered due to varied cell heights but is a single layer, often involved in secretion and movement of mucus.

Basement Membrane

A thin, fibrous extracellular matrix that supports epithelial cells and anchors them to underlying tissues.

Loose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue that cushions and supports organs, facilitating nutrient exchange.

Dense Connective Tissue

Provides strong attachment and support, with types including dense regular and dense irregular.

Cartilage

Flexible connective tissue that reduces friction and provides support, with types including hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.

Bone

Osseous tissue providing structural support and protection, storing minerals.

Blood

Connective tissue that transports nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the circulatory system.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue with long, cylindrical, striated cells, responsible for movement and posture.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue with branched, striated cells connected by intercalated disks, facilitating heart contractions.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue with spindle-shaped, non-striated cells, involved in movements within organs.

Neurons

Specialized cells in nervous tissue for transmitting electrical signals and processing information.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in nervous tissue that protect neurons and maintain homeostasis.

Tight Junctions

Junctions that prevent leakage of extracellular fluid between cells, maintaining a selective barrier.

Anchoring Junctions

Junctions providing mechanical strength and stability, including desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.

Gap Junctions

Junctions that facilitate cell-to-cell communication by allowing ions and small molecules to pass directly between cells.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, regulating physiological processes.

Exocrine Glands

Glands with ducts that secrete substances onto epithelial surfaces or into body cavities for localized functions.

Unicellular Glands

Single-cell glands, such as goblet cells, that secrete mucus.

Multicellular Glands

Glands composed of clusters of cells, forming complex structures for diverse secretions.

Mucous Membranes

Membranes that secrete mucus for lubrication and protection, lining various tracts in the body.

Serous Membranes

Membranes producing serous fluid to reduce friction between organs, lining body cavities.

Cutaneous Membranes

Skin membranes providing protection against damage and pathogens, involved in thermoregulation.

Synovial Membranes

Membranes that lubricate and nourish cartilage in joints, found in joint cavities.

Tissue Regeneration

The ability of tissues to repair and regenerate after injury, varying by tissue type.

High Regenerative Capacity

Characteristic of epithelial tissue, allowing rapid cell turnover and healing.

Limited Regeneration

Characteristic of cardiac muscle and nervous tissue, with minimal capacity for recovery after damage.