Tissues, Membranes, and Skin Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular junctions, glandular types, connective tissues, serous membranes, and skin layers from Ch. 3 and Ch. 4.

Tight Junctions

Cell junctions that form a barrier between adjacent cells to prevent fluid and solute passage.

Desmosomes

Cell junctions composed of structural proteins that anchor adjacent cells together.

Gap Junctions

Cell junctions that form a passageway between neighboring cells to allow direct communication.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream via exocytosis.

Exocrine Glands

Glands containing ducts that secrete products onto an epithelial surface via exocytosis.

Connective Tissue

Tissue composed of few cells widely spaced within a non-living extracellular matrix, functioning to bind, support, protect, insulate, transport, and store energy.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The non-living substance surrounding connective tissue cells, composed of ground substance and protein fibers.

Fibroblast

The most common cell type in connective tissue proper that secretes protein fibers including collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers.

Loose Connective Tissue

Connective tissue proper characterized by an open framework of fibers; located beneath the dermis, in the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts, and around blood vessels, nerves, and joints.

Adipose Tissue

Loose connective tissue composed of adipocytes located beneath the skin, behind eyeballs, and around kidneys; provides padding, shock absorption, insulation, and energy storage.

Hyaline Cartilage

Supporting connective tissue with a solid, rubbery matrix located between rib tips and sternum, joint surfaces, larynx, trachea, and bronchi; reduces friction and provides flexible support.

Bone Tissue

Supporting connective tissue featuring a solid, crystalline matrix organized into lamellae around central canals, with cells residing inside lacunae.

Pericardium

The serous membrane enclosing the heart, consisting of parietal and visceral layers separated by a pericardial cavity filled with serous fluid.

Pleura

The serous membrane enclosing the lungs, consisting of parietal and visceral layers separated by a pleural cavity filled with serous fluid.

Peritoneum

The serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity and covering its organs, consisting of parietal and visceral layers separated by a peritoneal cavity filled with serous fluid.

Epidermis

The superficial layer of the skin made of stratified epithelium that protects underlying tissue from abrasion.

Dermis

The middle layer of the skin made of dense fibrous connective tissue that provides toughness and elasticity.

Hypodermis

The layer deep to the dermis made of adipose tissue that stores nutrients and cushions; technically not part of the skin.