Cells and Tissues - Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering cells, organelles, tissues, and organ systems described in the lecture notes.

What is the plasma membrane's structure and one of its key functions?

Lipid bilayer composed of phospholipids and cholesterol with attached proteins; acts as the cell boundary, regulates entry and exit of substances, contains receptor proteins for intercellular communication, and marker molecules for cell recognition.

What is the nucleus in a cell?

The control center of the cell that houses DNA; enclosed by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope and contains chromatin and nucleolus.

What are nuclear pores?

Opening in the nuclear envelope that regulates traffic of materials between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

What is chromatin?

DNA and associated proteins in a diffuse form within the nucleus that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

What is the nucleolus?

A dense region inside the nucleus where ribosomal RNA and proteins are assembled into ribosomal subunits.

What is the nuclear envelope?

Double membrane surrounding the nucleus that contains nuclear pores for transport.

What is nucleoplasm?

The fluid inside the nucleus containing dissolved DNA and proteins.

What is ribosome and where are they located?

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis; some are free in the cytoplasm while others are attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

Membranous tubules with attached ribosomes that synthesize proteins destined for the Golgi or secretion.

What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

Membranous tubules without ribosomes that synthesize lipids and carbohydrates, detoxify chemicals, and store calcium.

What is the Golgi apparatus?

Flattened membrane sacs that modify, package, and distribute proteins and lipids for secretion or internal use.

What are secretory vesicles?

Membrane-bound vesicles that transport materials from the Golgi to the plasma membrane for secretion.

What is the lysosome?

A membrane-bound vesicle containing digestive enzymes that digest ingested material and worn-out organelles.

What is a phagocytic vesicle?

A vesicle formed when a cell engulfs large particles for digestion inside the cell.

What is a peroxisome?

A membrane-bound vesicle containing enzymes that break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances; helps neutralize hydrogen peroxide.

What is a proteasome?

A protein-degrading complex in the cytoplasm that digests damaged or unneeded proteins.

What is a centrosome?

A region in the cytoplasm that organizes microtubule formation during cell division; contains a pair of centrioles in many cells.

What are centrioles?

Paired cylindrical organelles that organize microtubules and form basal bodies of cilia and flagella.

What is a mitochondrion?

Double-membrane organelle where ATP is produced; inner membrane forms cristae and is the site of oxidative phosphorylation.

What is the cytoskeleton?

A network of protein filaments that provides cell shape, supports organelles, and enables movement.

What are microvilli?

Extensions of the plasma membrane containing actin filaments that increase surface area for absorption and secretion; may serve as sensory receptors.

What are cilia?

Extensions of the plasma membrane with microtubule doublets that move fluids and materials over the cell surface.

What is the nucleus in terms of function?

It houses genetic material and regulates cellular activities by controlling protein synthesis.

What is the plasma membrane's primary function?

Forms the outer boundary of the cell and regulates entry and exit of substances; also involved in communication and cell recognition.

What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum also known for producing?

Proteins that are usually transported to the Golgi apparatus or secreted outside the cell.

What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum also known for producing?

Lipids and carbohydrates; detoxification of harmful chemicals; storage of calcium.

What does the Golgi apparatus do with proteins and lipids?

Modifies, packages, and distributes proteins and lipids for secretion or internal use.

What is the function of lysosomes in cells?

Digestive enzymes within lysosomes break down waste materials and cellular debris.

What is the function of peroxisomes?

Break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances; help neutralize hydrogen peroxide.

What is the function of proteasomes?

Degrade damaged or unneeded proteins in the cytoplasm.

What are ribosomal subunits made of?

Ribosomal RNA and proteins that form large and small subunits; can be free or attached to rough ER.

What is the role of the cytoplasm?

The cellular region between the plasma membrane and nucleus containing cytosol and organelles; site of many metabolic processes.

What are basal bodies?

Structures at the base of cilia and flagella formed from centrioles that organize the microtubules of these appendages.

What is the function of the nucleus during cell division?

DNA condenses into chromosomes to ensure accurate distribution of genetic material.

What is a basal body?

An organizing center at the base of cilia and flagella derived from centrioles.

What is the energy powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria, where ATP is produced during cellular respiration.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton in terms of cell polarity and division?

Supports cell shape and organizes cell components; centrioles help establish polarity and organize microtubules during division.

What is the role of the plasma membrane in communication?

Contains receptor proteins that participate in intercellular signaling and recognition between cells.

What is the simple squamous epithelium used for?

Structure: single layer of flat cells. Function: diffusion, filtration, some secretion; Location: lining of blood vessels, heart, alveoli, serous membranes, parts of kidney tubules.

What is the simple cuboidal epithelium good for and where is it located?

Structure: single layer of cube-shaped cells. Function: secretion and absorption. Location: kidney tubules, glands and ducts, choroid plexuses, terminal bronchioles in lungs, surfaces of ovaries.

What is the simple columnar epithelium characterized by and where is it located?

Structure: single layer of tall, narrow cells; some have cilia or microvilli. Function: movement of particles, secretion, and absorption. Location: glands, bronchioles, uterus, stomach, intestines, gallbladder, ventricles of the brain.

What defines stratified squamous epithelium and where is it found?

Multiple cell layers; surface cells may be keratinized or nonkeratinized. Function: protection. Location: skin (keratinized), mouth, esophagus, cornea, vagina, urethra.

Where are stratified cuboidal epithelium tissues found?

Structure: multiple layers of cube-shaped cells. Function: secretion, absorption, protection. Location: sweat gland ducts, ovarian follicles, salivary gland ducts.

What is stratified columnar epithelium and where is it found?

Multiple layers with tall surface cells on a basal layer; function is protection and secretion. Location: Mammary gland ducts, larynx, part of male urethra.

What is pseudostratified columnar epithelium and where is it located?

Single layer with nuclei at different levels giving a false stratified look; most cells are ciliated with goblet cells. Function: mucus production and movement. Location: Trachea, bronchi, nasal cavity, auditory tubes, pharynx.

What is transitional epithelium and where is it located?

Stratified epithelium that appears cuboidal when not stretched and squamous when stretched; number of layers decreases with stretch. Location: Lining of urinary bladder, ureters, superior urethra.

What are unicellular glands and give an example?

Single gland cells within epithelium; examples are goblet cells that secrete mucus in the intestine and respiratory airways.

What are simple tubular glands and where are they found?

Glands with a simple tubular secretory portion and a single duct; examples include glands in the stomach and colon.

What are simple branched tubular glands and where are they found?

Glands with a branched tubular secretory portion; examples include glands in the lower portion of the stomach.

What are simple acinar glands and where are they found?

Glands with a simple sac-like secretory portion; example includes sebaceous glands of the skin.

What are simple branched acinar glands and where are they found?

Glands with a branched secretory portion that forms sacs; example includes sebaceous glands of the skin.

What are simple coiled tubular glands and where are they found?

Glands with a coiled tubular secretory portion; example includes glands in the lower portion of the stomach and small intestine.

What are compound tubular glands and where are they found?

Glands with multiple secretory tubules; examples include mucous glands of the duodenum.

What are compound acinar glands and where are they found?

Glands with multiple secretory sacs; examples include mammary glands.

What are compound tubuloacinar glands and where are they found?

Glands with both tubular and acinar secretory units; example includes the pancreas.

What is areolar connective tissue?

Loose connective tissue with cells in a fine network of collagen fibers; provides packing, support, and nourishment; widely distributed.

What is adipose tissue and its function?

Loose connective tissue with adipocytes filled with lipid; functions in packing, insulation, energy storage, and protection.

What is reticular tissue?

Connective tissue with a fine network of reticular fibers forming a scaffold for lymphatic and hemopoietic tissues.

What is dense regular collagenous connective tissue and where is it found?

Matrix with collagen fibers aligned in the same direction; resists pulling in that direction. Location: tendons and ligaments.

What is dense regular elastic connective tissue and where is it found?

Matrix with regularly arranged collagen and elastic fibers; can stretch and recoil. Location: vocal cords and elastic ligaments along the spine and neck.

What is dense irregular collagenous connective tissue and where is it located?

Matrix with collagen fibers in all directions; provides tensile strength in multiple directions. Location: dermis, organ capsules, septa, outer coverings of body tubes.

What is dense irregular elastic connective tissue and where is it located?

Matrix with bundles of collagenous and elastic fibers oriented in multiple directions; allows strength and multi-directional stretch. Location: elastic arteries like the aorta.

What is hyaline cartilage and where is it located?

Transparent-looking matrix with small collagen fibers; chondrocytes in lacunae; provides flexible support and smooth surfaces; found in growing long bones, respiratory tract, costal cartilage, nasal cartilage, joint surfaces.

What is fibrocartilage and where is it located?

Cartilage with thick collagen fiber bundles; flexible and resistant to pressure. Location: intervertebral disks, pubic symphysis, knee and jaw discs.

What is elastic cartilage and where is it located?

Cartilage with elastic fibers in the matrix; highly flexible. Location: external ear, epiglottis, auditory tubes.

What is spongy bone and where is it found?

A lattice-like bone with trabeculae and spaces filled with marrow; light weight yet strong. Location: interior of skull bones, vertebrae, sternum, pelvis, ends of long bones.

What is compact bone and where is it found?

Dense bone with osteocytes in lacunae arranged around central canals; lamellae and small connecting canals; provides great strength. Location: outer portions of all bones and shafts of long bones.

What is blood in connective tissue?

Fluid connective tissue with cells (red and white blood cells, platelets) in a plasma matrix; transports gases, nutrients, and waste; defends against infection.

What is bone marrow and its two types?

Reticular framework with blood-forming cells (red marrow) and lipid-storing tissue (yellow marrow); red marrow produces blood cells; yellow marrow stores fat.

What is skeletal muscle tissue?

Striated, long multinucleated fibers; voluntary control; moves the body and attaches to bones.

What is cardiac muscle tissue?

Striated, branched cells with a single central nucleus; interconnected by intercalated disks with gap junctions; involuntary control; pumps blood in the heart.

What is smooth muscle tissue?

Non-striated, spindle-shaped cells with a single nucleus; involuntary control; lines hollow organs to regulate size and flow of contents.

What are multipolar neurons?

Neurons with many dendrites and a single axon; supported by glia; located in brain, spinal cord, and ganglia; transmit and integrate information.

What are pseudo-unipolar neurons?

Neurons with a cell body and a single axon; conduct action potentials from the periphery to the brain or spinal cord; located in ganglia outside the CNS.