Anatomy - ch 5/6 key terms

Tissue

Group of similar cells that performs a specialized function

exocrine gland

gland that secretes its products into duct or onto an outside body surface

endocrine gland

Gland that secretes hormones directly into the blood

extracellular matrix

Molecules that fill spaces between cell consisting mostly of protein fiber networks

Fibroblasts

Cells that produce fibers in connective tissues

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cell

Mast cells

Cell to which antibodies, formed in response to allergens attach, bursting the cell and releasing allergy mediators, which cause symptoms

Ligaments

Cord of sheet of connective tissue binding two or more bones at joint

Tendons

Cordlike or band like mass of white fibrous connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone

Chondrocytes

A cartilage cell

Osteocytes

Cylinder-shaped unit containing bone cells that surround a central canal, haversian system

Intercalated disc

Membranous boundary between cardiac muscle cells

Neurons

Nerve cells

Neuroglia

Specialized cells of the nervous system that produces myelin, communicate between cells, maintain the ionic environment, and nurture the differential of neurons

keratinization

Process by which cells from fibrils of keratin and harden

Melanin

Dark pigment, normally found in skin and hair

Eumelanin

Brown-ish black pigment

Pheomelanin

A reddish-yellow pigment

Albinism

Little to no pigment (eyes, skin, hair)

Sebum

the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands