Define histology
The study of tissues.
What is microscopy
Using a microscope to see small structures not visible to the naked eye.
What are the 4 types of epithelial tissues
Squamous, cuboidal, columnar, transitional.
What are the main functions of epithelial tissues
Protect, absorb, secrete, filter, sense.
What are its two subdivisions
Covering/lining epithelium and glandular epithelium.
What are the basic characteristics of all epithelial tissues
Tightly packed cells, little space, sit on a basement membrane, no blood vessels (avascular), regenerate quickly.
What are glandular epithelial tissues and how are they classified
Tissues that form glands. Classified as endocrine (into blood) or exocrine (onto a surface).
How do we classify all epithelial tissues
By cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar) and number of layers (simple or stratified).
What are the basic roles of epithelial tissues
Cover body surfaces, line body cavities, form glands.
What are the different ways glands secrete fluids
Merocrine (exocytosis), apocrine (pinch off part of cell), holocrine (cell bursts).
What are the four main connective tissues and their functions
Connective tissue proper (support, binding), cartilage (cushion, structure), bone (support, protection), blood (transport)
What is connective tissue proper and its subdivisions
A broad group of connective tissue. Subdivisions: loose (areolar, adipose, reticular) and dense (regular, irregular, elastic).
Describe the extracellular matrix and its components
The “stuff” around connective tissue cells. Made of protein fibers (collagen, elastic, reticular) and ground substance (gel-like material).
What is cartilage and its function
A tough but flexible tissue that supports and cushions.
What are the three types of cartilage and their functions
Hyaline (support, reduce friction), elastic (flexibility), fibrocartilage (shock absorption).
What are the two types of bone
Compact (dense, strong) and spongy (lightweight, porous).
What are the three types of muscle and how are they classified
Skeletal (voluntary, moves bones), cardiac (involuntary, heart), smooth (involuntary, organs).
What are the two processes involved with healing of injured tissue
Regeneration (replace with same tissue) and fibrosis (replace with scar tissue).
Define tissue repair by regeneration and by fibrosis
Regeneration = original tissue restored.
Fibrosis = scar tissue forms, less functional.
What are the two types of nervous tissue and their functions
Neurons (send signals) and neuroglia (support and protect neurons).
What are the steps in tissue repair
- Inflammation (stop bleeding, bring cells),
- Organization (form new tissue, blood supply),
- Regeneration/fibrosis (final healing).
What is cancer and a tumor
Cancer = uncontrolled cell growth. Tumor = mass of cells.
Define malignant, benign, and metastatic
Malignant = cancerous, spreads. Benign = noncancerous, does not spread. Metastatic = cancer spreads to other parts of body.
