Tissues and Integumentary System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues, as well as the integumentary system based on lecture transcript notes.

Tissue

A group of similar cells performing a similar function.

Organ

A group of tissues that perform a specialized function.

Basement Membrane

A non-cellular layer on top of which epithelial cells are aligned, connecting epithelial tissue to connective tissue below; crossed by nerves but not blood vessels.

Simple Epithelium

Epithelial tissue composed of a single layer of cells, involved in diffusion, filtration, absorption, and secretion.

Stratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue consisting of more than 1 layer of cells, primarily serving a protective function.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that looks stratified but consists of a single layer of cells, functioning in protection and secretion.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Epithelium located in capillary walls, alveoli of the lungs, covering visceral organs, and lining body cavities; functions in diffusion and filtration.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Epithelium located in skin, mouth, esophagus, vagina, and anal canal; functions in protection.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelium located in the ureter and urinary bladder; functions in distention.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Epithelium located in the lining of kidney tubules, salivary ducts, and pancreatic ducts; functions in secretion, excretion, and absorption.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Epithelium located in the digestive tract lining, containing goblet cells for mucous production; functions in protection, secretion, and absorption.

Matrix

A non-living, extracellular material that holds connective tissue cells apart, composed of ground substance, tissue fluid, and fibers.

Fibroblasts

The most numerous cells found in connective tissue.

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose (irregular) fibrous connective tissue providing elasticity and diffusion.

Reticular Connective Tissue

A network of fibers and cells that produce the structural framework (stroma) of organs such as lymph nodes.

Dense Regular Fibrous CT

Connective tissue found in tendons and ligaments that provides strength and elasticity.

Adipose Tissue

Tissue located in the hypodermis and surrounding the heart and kidneys; functions in energy storage, insulation, and padding.

Hyaline Cartilage

The most abundant but weakest type of cartilage, composed of fine collagen fibers embedded in a gel-type matrix; affords flexibility, support, reduces friction, and absorbs shock.

Fibrocartilage

The strongest of the three cartilage types, containing bundles of collagen fibers in its matrix and lacking a perichondrium.

Elastic Cartilage

Cartilage containing a threadlike network of elastic fibers and a perichondrium, providing strength and elasticity to maintain the shape of certain organs.

Skeletal Muscle

Voluntary, multinucleated muscle tissue characterized by striations.

Cardiac Muscle

Involuntary muscle tissue composed of branched cells with striations and intercalated disks.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary, spindle-shaped muscle tissue, also known as visceral muscle.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue composed of neurons and neuroglia that functions in sensory input, integration of input, and motor output.

Stratum Germinativum

The innermost basal layer of the epidermis attached to the basal lamina, containing epidermal stem cells, melanocytes, and Merkel cells.

Stratum Spinosum

Epidermal layer where keratinocytes are bound together by desmosomes; contains Langerhans cells and melanocytes.

Stratum Granulosum

Epidermal layer where keratin fibers develop, cells become thinner and flatter, cell membranes thicken, organelles disintegrate, and cells die.

Stratum Lucidum

Epidermal layer present only in thick skin (palms, fingertips, soles).

Stratum Corneum

Outermost epidermal layer consisting of multiple layers of flat, dead interlocking cells that are water resistant.

Eponychium

Also known as the cuticle; a band of stratum corneum at the base of the nail.

Sebaceous Glands

Exocrine glands that secrete an oily lipid called sebum to coat the hair shaft and epidermis, providing lubrication and antibacterial action.

Apocrine Sweat Glands

Sweat glands with limited distribution (axillae, groin, nipples) that produce a viscous secretion of complex composition and are strongly influenced by hormones.

Merocrine Sweat Glands

Widespread sweat glands controlled primarily by the nervous system that produce thin, mostly watery secretions for thermoregulation and excretion.

Ceruminous Glands

Specialized exocrine glands that secrete waxy cerumen into the external ear canal.