Tissue_Anatomy_and_Physiology__1_

Epithelial Tissue

Forms linings, coverings, and glands throughout the body.

Polarity in Epithelial Tissue

The presence of a distinct top (apical) and bottom (basement) end.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that release products through a duct to an external surface.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream without ducts.

Connective Tissue

The most abundant and widely distributed tissue type, defined by its extracellular matrix.

Collagen

A protein fiber in connective tissue that provides strength.

Elastic Connective Tissue

Tissue made of elastin fibers that allow stretching and recoil.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most common type of cartilage, smooth and glassy, found in joints and growth plates.

Fibrocartilage

The strongest type of cartilage, acting as a major shock absorber.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary muscle tissue that attaches to bones and produces movement.

Neurons

Excitable cells in nervous tissue that transmit information.

Dermis

Connective tissue layer underneath the epidermis in the skin.

Adipose Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that stores fat and provides insulation.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat, scale-like cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

A single layer of cells that appears stratified, with all cells connecting to the basement membrane.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that can change shape, found lining the bladder.

Osteons

Structural units found in compact bone.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that fight infections.

Platelets

Cell fragments that help form blood clots.

Ground Substance

The non-cellular material in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue.

Microvilli

Tiny projections on columnar cells that increase surface area.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of flat, scale-like cells, commonly found in the skin.

Elastic Fibers

Protein fibers that provide elasticity to connective tissues.

Areolar Tissue

Loose connective tissue found under the skin that holds nutrients and supports immune function.

Reticular Tissue

A type of loose connective tissue that forms a scaffold for blood cells in lymphatic organs.