Lecture Notes Review: Tissue Types and Stem Cells

Connective Tissue Components

• The extracellular matrix of connective tissue is constituted by fibers and ground substance.

Major Tissue Types

• The body's major tissue types include:
  • Muscle tissue
  • Epithelial tissue
  • Connective tissue
  • Nervous tissue
• Endocrine is not classified as a major tissue type.

Epithelial Cell Junctions

• Tight junctions play a crucial role in preventing fluids from seeping between adjacent epithelial cells.

Epithelial Tissue Locations

• Epithelial tissue is expected to be found in several locations, including:
  • Glands
  • Lining the abdominal cavity
  • Outer covering of internal organs (e.g., the heart)
  • Outer layer of the integument (skin)
  • Lining of the oral and nasal cavities

Cartilage Health and Exercise

• Lack of exercise can indeed lead to the degeneration of cartilage, especially at weight-bearing joints like the knee joint.

Transitional Epithelium

• Transitional epithelium is a specialized type of epithelial tissue located in the urinary system.

Stem Cell Potency

• A totipotent stem cell is defined by its potential to differentiate into any type of human cell, encompassing cells of the placenta and amniotic sac.

Areolar Connective Tissue

• Areolar connective tissue is extensively distributed beneath epithelia, such as the skin.
• A primary function of areolar connective tissue is to act as a reservoir for water and salts, supplying these to the surrounding tissues.