Histology - The Study of Tissues

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to histology and the study of tissues.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Fixed Tissue

Tissue that is preserved with solvent for microscopic examination.

Sectioned Tissue

Tissue cut into thin slices to allow transmission of light or electrons.

Stained Tissue

Tissue treated with dyes to enhance contrast under a microscope.

light microscopy

uses colored dyes

electron microscopy

a technique that uses a beam of electrons to create highly detailed images of structures at a cellular level. (uses heavy metal coatings)

Avascular

Describes epithelial tissue as having no blood vessels.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue responsible for internal communication; includes brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue that contracts to cause movement; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that forms boundaries between different environments; functions include protection and absorption.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, protects, and binds other tissues together; includes bone, fat, and blood.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells stacked on top of each other.

Cuboidal Epithelium

Epithelial cells that are cube-shaped.

Columnar Epithelium

Epithelial cells that are taller than they are wide.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Looks stratified but is actually a single layer of cells with varying heights.

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Forms the external part of the skin's epidermis.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into blood or lymph.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete their products onto body surfaces or into body cavities.

Merocrine Secretion

Products are secreted by exocytosis.

Holocrine Secretion

Products are secreted by the rupture of gland cells.

Fibroblasts

Cells that produce collagen and other fibers in connective tissue.

Chondrocytes

Cells found in cartilage that maintain the matrix.

Osteocytes

Mature bone cells found in lacunae within the bone matrix.

Plasma

Fluid matrix in which blood cells are suspended.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit electrical signals.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue that stores fat.

Areolar Connective Tissue

Loose connective tissue that wraps and cushions organs.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelial tissue that stretches and lines the urinary bladder.