Histology and Tissue Types

These flashcards cover the key concepts of histology, including types of tissues, their functions, and characteristics.

What is histology?

The study of cells and tissues.

What are the four primary types of tissue?

Epithelial tissue, Connective tissue, Muscle tissue, Nervous tissue.

What is a tissue?

A group of similar cells and cell products.

What is an organ composed of?

Two or more tissue types, almost always connective and epithelial.

What are the two types of epithelial tissue?

Covering and lining epithelium, Glandular epithelium.

What are the functions of epithelial tissue?

Protection, Absorption, Filtration, Excretion, Secretion, Sensory reception.

What is a simple epithelium?

An epithelium that contains one layer of cells.

What is the difference between simple and stratified epithelium?

Simple epithelium has one layer of cells, while stratified epithelium has more than one layer.

What are the shapes of epithelial cells?

Squamous (flat), Cuboidal (square), Columnar (rectangular).

What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands have ducts to secrete their products.

What is connective tissue?

Tissue that consists of widely spaced cells separated by fibers and ground substance (ECM).

What are the structural elements of connective tissue?

Ground substance, Fibers, Cells.

What do blast cells do?

They are mitotic cells that secrete ground substance and fibers for the matrix.

What are the major types of cartilage?

Hyaline, Fibrocartilage, Elastic cartilage.

What is the function of fibrocartilage?

Resists compression and absorbs shock in some joints.

What are the three types of muscle tissue?

Skeletal, Cardiac, Smooth.

What is the primary function of nervous tissue?

Communication and control of bodily functions.

What are mucous membranes composed of?

Epithelium, connective, and underlying muscular tissues.

What is the function of cutaneous membranes?

Protective function as a relatively dry layer.