histology

What is a tissue?

A group of cells that work together to support a larger function, such as forming organs.

Epithelial tissue

Lines organs and passageways; protects, absorbs, secretes, senses.

Connective tissue

Supports, protects, gives structure; contains fibers and ground substance.

Muscle tissue

Contracts to create movement.

Neural tissue

Carries information via electrical signals.

Apical surface

The top side of epithelial tissue that faces the outside or inside of a hollow organ.

Basal surface

The bottom side of epithelial tissue attached to connective tissue.

Tight junctions

Intercellular junctions that create waterproof seals, found near apical surface.

Gap junctions

Intercellular junctions that allow ions and molecules to pass for communication.

Desmosomes

Intercellular junctions that provide strong anchors to resist stretching.

High regenerative capacity

The ability of epithelial tissue to quickly replace damaged cells.

Simple squamous epithelium

One layer of flat cells found in lungs and blood vessels.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Many layers of flat cells found in the skin.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

One layer of cube-shaped cells found in kidneys and glands.

Exocrine glands

Glands with ducts that secrete onto surfaces like sweat and saliva.

Endocrine glands

Glands without ducts that release hormones into the blood.

Collagen fibers

Thick and strong connective tissue fibers that resist stretching.

Elastic fibers

Thin and stretchy connective tissue fibers that allow recoil.

Hyaline cartilage

Smooth connective tissue that reduces friction, found in the nose and trachea.

Adipose tissue

Connective tissue that stores energy and insulates the body.

Cutaneous membrane

Skin; a dry membrane composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and dense connective tissue.

Skeletal muscle

Voluntary muscle with long, cylindrical fibers attached to bones.

Cardiac muscle

Involuntary, striated muscle that pumps blood in the heart.

Neurons

Cells in nervous tissue that transmit signals.

Neuroglia

Supporting cells in nervous tissue that nourish and protect neurons.

Epi (root)

Means 'upon'.

Histo (root)

Means 'tissue'.

Osteoblast (root)

Bone-building cell.

Adipoclast (root)

Fat-destroying cell.