Biological Tissues and Cell Types

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering animal and plant cell types, tissue classifications (epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous), and their specific physiological functions.

What is the correct order of the levels of biological organization?

cell, tissue, organ, system, organism

What are the four main types of cells mentioned in the lecture?

epithelial cells, connective tissue cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells

What characterizes epithelial tissues and helps them serve as barriers for pathogens, mechanical injuries, and fluid loss?

Closely-joined cells with tight junctions

How do cilia on epithelial cells in the intestines contribute to protection?

They protect the rest of body from intestinal bacteria

What is the primary function of glandular epithelium?

To secrete (release) enzymes, hormones, and fluids

In which organs does epithelial tissue perform excretion?

The kidneys (excreting waste) and sweat glands (excreting sweat)

What are the two major functions of the epithelium in the kidneys?

Excretion of waste and filtration of blood

What specific epithelial structures are essential for hearing and balance?

Stereocilia on the surface of the epithelial tissue in the ear

What is the primary function associated with simple squamous epithelium?

Filtration and the exchange of material through diffusion

Where is pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium typically found, and what is its specific modification?

It lines the respiratory tract and is usually lined with cilia to sweep mucus

Compare the function and distribution of simple cuboidal versus stratified cuboidal epithelium.

Simple cuboidal is found in kidney tubules and ovaries for protection, secretion, and absorption; stratified cuboidal is found in sweat and mammary glands for protection and secretion

What is the composition of the liquid extracellular matrix of blood?

Plasma, which contains water, salts, and dissolved proteins

What are the specific cell types found in blood and their functions?

Erythrocytes (RBC) carry oxygen, leukocytes (WBC) are for defense, and platelets are for blood clotting

Distinguish between tendons and ligaments.

Tendons join muscles to bones; ligaments join two bones to each other

What cells are responsible for secreting the matrix in cartilage?

Chondrocytes, which secrete collagen and chondroitin sulfate

What are osteoblasts and what materials make up the hardened bone matrix?

Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells that deposit collagen; the matrix is combined with calcium, magnesium, and phosphate ions

What defines the structure and contraction of cardiac muscle?

It is striated with intercalated disks for synchronized heart contraction and is involuntary

Where is smooth muscle tissue located and what is its appearance?

It is located in the walls of hollow visceral organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines); it is not striated

What are the two components that make up nervous tissue?

Nerve cells called neurons and glial cells (support cells)

What are the functions of dendrites and axons in a neuron?

Dendrites receive impulses from other neurons; axons transmit impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands

What is the myelin sheath and why is it essential?

A fatty, insulating layer that protects axons and facilitates the rapid transmission of nerve impulses

What is the role of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath around peripheral nerve fibers (axons)

What is the soma of a neuron?

Also known as the cell body, it is the main structural and metabolic center responsible for protein synthesis and energy production

What are the Nodes of Ranvier?

Small gaps or unmyelinated segments along myelinated axons that allow for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses