Chapter 1-8: Tissue Types and Histology Review

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering histology, cellular connections, tissue classifications, cartilage types, muscle categories, and nervous system cell structures.

Histology

The study of microscopic tissue details, including composition, structural organization, physical appearance, and specific function.

Pathology

The study of cellular and tissue changes that cause dysfunction and disease in the body.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The ground substance fluid outside of cells containing a mixture of water, proteins, ions, and fibers shared by surrounding tissue cells.

Collagen

The most abundant and tough protein fiber in body tissues, acting as a strong structural building block.

Proteoglycans

Molecules made of protein and sugar combinations that carry negative charges to attract positive ions into the extracellular matrix.

Tight Junctions

Cellular connections that fuse plasma membranes tightly together like rivets to prevent substances from passing between adjacent cells.

Desmosomes

Strong, flexible button-like cellular connections that link the plasma membranes of adjacent cells via cytoskeletal elements.

Gap Junctions

Protein channels between adjacent cells that lock membranes together and permit direct transfer of ions, fluids, and signal molecules.

Basal Surface

The region of epithelial tissue attached to and anchored by the basement membrane to underlying connective tissue.

Apical Surface

The free-facing outer region of epithelial tissue facing either the external environment or the internal hollow opening of a body tube.

Lumen

The internal hollow center or opening within a structured body tube or vessel.

Avascular

Lacking direct blood vessels; a characteristic of epithelial tissue requiring nutrient and gas exchange through diffusion from nearby connective tissue.

Cilia

Hair-like apical cell projections that beat rapidly to sweep and move substances like mucus along epithelial surfaces.

Microvilli

Microscopic projections on epithelial apical surfaces specialized for absorbing substances, commonly found in the small intestine.

Simple Epithelium

Epithelial tissue consisting of a single cell layer thick, ideal for rapid diffusion of substances.

Stratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of multiple stacked cell layers designed to withstand abrasion and friction.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Single-layered columnar epithelial tissue that deceptively appears multi-layered under microscopic view due to varied nuclear positioning and cell shapes.

Transitional Epithelium

Stratified epithelial tissue in organs like the bladder that alters its cellular shape and flattens when stretched.

Fibroblasts

Abundant cells within connective tissue responsible for building and secreting extracellular matrix fibers.

Adipocytes

Fat cells containing large lipid droplets that store energy and provide cushioning around internal organs.

Macrophages

Immune cells in connective tissue that navigate the extracellular matrix to gobble up pathogens.

Dense Regular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue packed with parallel collagen fibers in a uniform pattern, resisting high force in one specific direction (found in tendons and ligaments).

Dense Irregular Connective Tissue

Connective tissue containing swirly, randomly arranged collagen and elastic fibers that resist multidirectional pulling forces (found in skin).

Hyaline Cartilage

The most abundant, tough cartilage type that absorbs impact force at joint ends and rib connections.

Fibrocartilage

Thick, highly durable cartilage designed to withstand high compressive forces, located in intervertebral discs and the pelvic symphysis.

Elastic Cartilage

Highly flexible cartilage loaded with elastic fibers, allowing structures like the external ear to spring back into shape.

Compact Bone

Smooth, outer bone tissue composed of a densely packed, mineralized extracellular matrix containing calcium and potassium.

Spongy Bone

Porous bone tissue with a lattice-like structure of trabeculae that houses bone marrow inside bones.

Skeletal Muscle Tissue

Voluntary, striated muscle tissue containing long cells with multiple peripheral nuclei, responsible for moving bones and body openings.

Smooth Muscle Tissue

Involuntary, non-striated muscle tissue made of spindle-shaped cells with a single nucleus, lining hollow organs and blood vessels.

Cardiac Muscle Tissue

Involuntary, striated muscle tissue made of branching cells connected by intercalated discs containing gap junctions for synchronized firing.

Dendrites

Branching cellular projections of a neuron that receive incoming signals and information from adjacent nerve cells.

Axon

The long, single projection of a neuron that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body toward axon terminals.

Glial Cells

Supportive nervous tissue cells, such as oligodendrocytes, that protect, nourish, and insulate neuronal axons.