A&P 2025 > Tissues > Flashcards

Tissues Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the three primary germ layers in human embryology?

A

Endoderm, Mesoderm, Ectoderm

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2
Q

What is a germ layer?

A

A collection of cells formed during embryogenesis responsible for generating tissues, organs, and structures

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3
Q

What is a zygote?

A

A fertilized egg cell formed when the male sperm cell unites with the female egg cell

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4
Q

What is the process that occurs immediately after fertilization?

A

Rapid cell multiplication leading to the formation of a blastula

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5
Q

What defines humans as triploblastic?

A

Humans have a body derived from three embryonic cell layers

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6
Q

What is the innermost germ layer called?

A

Endoderm

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7
Q

What is the middle germ layer called?

A

Mesoderm

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8
Q

What is the outermost germ layer called?

A

Ectoderm

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9
Q

What are the four primary tissues in the human body?

A

Epithelial, Connective, Muscular, Nervous

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10
Q

What is the definition of tissues?

A

Groups of cells and cell products with similar structure and function

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11
Q

What is the primary function of epithelial tissue?

A

Covers and lines exposed surfaces for protection, secretion, and sensation

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12
Q

What is a physical barrier in epithelial tissue?

A

Protection of exposed surfaces either internally or externally

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13
Q

What role does epithelial tissue play in exchange regulation?

A

Regulates what enters or leaves the body through epithelial lining

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14
Q

What are glandular epithelial cells responsible for?

A

Producing secretions delivered to surfaces

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15
Q

What does epithelial tissue provide in terms of sensations?

A

Sensory perception with receptors for touch, temperature, pain, and pressure

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16
Q

What does ‘cellularity’ refer to in epithelial tissue?

A

The tissue is mostly comprised of cells with minimal extracellular material

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17
Q

What is meant by ‘polarity’ in epithelial tissue?

A

Epithelial tissue has a distinct apical surface and a basal surface

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18
Q

What are tight junctions?

A

Fibrous attachments that restrict passage of substances between cells

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19
Q

What are desmosomes?

A

Fibrous attachments providing mechanical support located at the basal end of the cell layer

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20
Q

What are hemidesmosomes?

A

Fibrous attachments anchoring basal epithelial cells to the basement membrane

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21
Q

What are gap junctions?

A

Protein channels providing communication between neighboring cells

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22
Q

What does avascularity mean in relation to epithelial tissue?

A

Epithelial tissue lacks blood vessels and relies on nearby tissues for nutrient exchange

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23
Q

What is a key characteristic of epithelial tissue regarding regeneration?

A

It has a high capacity for regeneration to replace lost cells

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24
Q

What is the basement membrane?

A

A thin structure connecting epithelial tissue to deeper connective tissue

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25
What are the two layers of the basement membrane?
Basal lamina and reticular lamina
26
How is epithelial tissue classified?
By the number of cell layers and the shape of the apical cell layer
27
What are the two classifications based on the number of cell layers?
* Simple (1 layer) * Stratified (more than 1 layer)
28
What are the four basic cell shapes in epithelial tissue?
* Squamous * Cuboidal * Columnar * Transitional
29
What is simple squamous epithelium?
A single layer of flat cells often found in areas requiring rapid exchange
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What is simple cuboidal epithelium?
A single layer of cube-shaped cells commonly found in glandular tissues
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What is simple columnar epithelium?
A single layer of tall cells often involved in absorption and secretion
32
What is pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium?
A type of epithelium that appears stratified but is not, with cilia present
33
What is stratified squamous epithelium?
Multiple layers of flat cells providing protection against abrasion
34
What is stratified cuboidal epithelium?
Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells, typically found in gland ducts
35
What is stratified columnar epithelium?
Multiple layers of columnar cells, often found in the male urethra
36
What type of epithelium is found in the trachea?
Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium ## Footnote This tissue appears to have several layers of nuclei but all cells are attached to the basement membrane.
37
What is the function of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium?
Protection and moisture retention ## Footnote This type of epithelium lines the esophagus.
38
Where is stratified cuboidal epithelium found?
Lining the ducts of sweat glands ## Footnote It has two distinct layers with cuboidal apical cells.
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What is a characteristic of stratified columnar epithelium?
Found lining the male urethra ## Footnote It consists of two layers with columnar apical cells.
40
What does transitional epithelium line?
The urinary bladder ## Footnote It has many layers and various shapes in the apical layer.
41
What are the special features of epithelial tissue?
Cilia, microvilli, and goblet cells ## Footnote These structures are often associated with columnar cells.
42
What are the two types of glands in glandular epithelia?
Endocrine and Exocrine ## Footnote Endocrine glands secrete hormones into body fluids, while exocrine glands secrete products via ducts.
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How can exocrine glands be classified?
Unicellular or multicellular ## Footnote Multicellular can be further classified into simple, compound, tubular, and acinar.
44
What is the mode of secretion for merocrine glands?
Secretion by exocytosis ## Footnote The cell remains intact during this process.
45
What is the primary function of connective tissue?
Structural framework, protection, storage, transportation, repair and healing ## Footnote Connective tissue plays multiple roles in the body.
46
What are the four major characteristics of connective tissue?
Abundance of extracellular material, various specialized cells, variable blood supply, nervous innervation ## Footnote These characteristics differentiate connective tissue from epithelial tissue.
47
What are the three types of fibers in connective tissue?
Collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers ## Footnote Each type has unique properties and functions.
48
What type of connective tissue is areolar tissue?
Loose connective tissue ## Footnote It contains collagen, elastic, and reticular fibers.
49
What is adipose tissue primarily composed of?
Large cells filled with fat vacuoles ## Footnote These vacuoles store triglycerides.
50
What are the two types of dense connective tissue?
Dense regular and dense irregular connective tissue ## Footnote Dense regular has aligned fibers, while dense irregular has fibers oriented in multiple directions.
51
What distinguishes cartilage from bone?
Cartilage has a non-mineralized matrix ## Footnote Bone has a mineralized matrix that makes it hard.
52
What are the three types of cartilage?
Hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage ## Footnote Each type has distinct structural characteristics.
53
What are the four types of membranes?
Cutaneous, serous, mucous, synovial ## Footnote Each membrane has specific locations and functions in the body.
54
What are the main types of muscle tissue?
Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle ## Footnote Each type has unique structural and functional characteristics.
55
What is a key characteristic of skeletal muscle?
Striated and multinucleated ## Footnote The nuclei are located at the periphery of the cell.
56
What feature distinguishes cardiac muscle?
Intercalated discs ## Footnote These discs facilitate communication between adjacent cells.
57
What is the primary characteristic of smooth muscle?
Non-striated with a single nucleus ## Footnote The cells are tapering and difficult to visualize.
58
What are the two cell populations in neural tissue?
Neurons and neuroglial cells ## Footnote Neurons are responsible for transmitting signals, while neuroglial cells support neurons.
59
What is the role of astrocytes in neural tissue?
Provide additional protective layers ## Footnote Astrocytes are a type of glial cell.
60
primary function of nervous tissue
information processing
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primary function of muscle tissue
contraction to generate force
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primary function of epithelial tissue
cover exposed surfaces
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primary function of connective tissue
structure and support
64
nervous tissue cell types
neurons (the communicators) and neuroglia (glial cells) (the helpers)
65
Neurons
The functional cells of the nervous system. Carry electrical signals (action potentials). Parts: Cell body (soma) → has the nucleus Dendrites → receive signals Axon → sends signals away
66
Neuroglia
These support, protect, and nourish neurons. They don’t carry impulses but are critical for neuron function. In the Central Nervous System (CNS): Astrocytes – star-shaped; regulate nutrients, form blood-brain barrier. 🌟 Oligodendrocytes – make myelin in CNS. Microglia – immune defense (phagocytes). Ependymal cells – line ventricles, make cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Schwann cells – make myelin in PNS. Satellite cells – support neuron cell bodies in ganglia.
67
what are fibroblasts
- Fibroblasts are the main cells of connective tissue whose job is to build and maintain the extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports and connects other tissues. :Functions Produce fibers → collagen (strength), elastin (stretch), and reticular fibers (support). Secrete ground substance → the gel-like filler around cells. Wound healing → fibroblasts migrate into injury sites and make scar tissue (mainly collagen). Maintain ECM → constantly remodel connective tissue. 🔹 Active vs. Inactive Forms Fibroblasts = active, busy building. Fibrocytes = resting form, just maintaining the ECM.
68
what are mast cells
- Mast cells are a type of immune cell found in connective tissue, especially near blood vessels and under surfaces exposed to the outside world - Functions Inflammation & Allergy: - Release histamine → makes blood vessels leaky, causes swelling, redness, itching. - Important in allergic reactions (e.g., hay fever, asthma). Anticoagulation: - Release heparin, which prevents blood clotting locally. Immune Defense: - Help recruit other immune cells to fight infections or respond to injury.
69
what are plasma cells
- Plasma cells are specialized white blood cells that come from B lymphocytes (B cells) once they’re activated. - Antibody factories 🏭 → Plasma cells produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies (immunoglobulins). - Antibodies circulate in blood and tissues to recognize and neutralize pathogens (bacteria, viruses, toxins).
70
what are macrophages
immune defense cells
71
what are adipocytes
Functions - Energy storage → main reservoir of long-term energy. - Insulation & cushioning → protect organs, maintain body temperature. - Hormone secretion → release leptin and other adipokines that regulate appetite and metabolism.
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fibers in nervous and muscle tissue
minimal
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fiber in epithelial tissue
basement memebrane
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fibers in connective tissue
collagen, reticular, elastic
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fluids in nervous tissue
nutrient-rich, aqueous
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fluid in muscle tissue
minimal
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fluid in epithelial tissue
limited
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fluids in connective tissue
depends on type
79
structure of neurons
- Cell body (soma) → has the nucleus - Dendrites → Short, branched projections from the cell body. Function: receive incoming signals from other neurons. - Axon → sends signals away - Axon Terminals (Synaptic Endings / Boutons) - Branches at the end of the axon. Release neurotransmitters into the synapse to communicate with the next cell (neuron, muscle, or gland).
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what is a Synapse
- The junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the target cell. - Signal passes chemically (neurotransmitters) or electrically.
81
what is myelin sheath
- fatty, insulating layer that surrounds the axon of many neurons. - Structure: Segmented along the axon with gaps called Nodes of Ranvier. Functions - Insulation: Prevents loss of electrical signal. - Speeds up impulse: Nerve impulses jump from node to node (saltatory conduction) instead of traveling continuously. - Protects the axon: Maintains axon health and integrity.
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what are Nodes of Ranvier
- small gaps in the myelin sheath that appear at regular intervals along a myelinated axon. - Location: Between adjacent Schwann cells or oligodendrocyte segments - Structure: Exposed axonal membrane (no myelin). Function - Speed up nerve impulses → impulses “jump” from node to node in a process called saltatory conduction. - Maintain signal strength → ensures the electrical signal doesn’t fade over long axons. - Ion exchange sites → high density of voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels for action potential regeneration.
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myelinated
Myelinated refers to axons that are covered with a myelin sheath, the fatty insulating layer that surrounds certain neurons.
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Schwann cells (PNS)
- type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) that support neurons, especially by forming the myelin sheath around axons. - Schwann = “Supporter of PNS wires function: - increase impulse speed – - Nerve regeneration – after injury, Schwann cells form a regeneration tube to guide axon growth. - Protection – insulate axons and prevent electrical signal loss.
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oligodendrocyte segments (CNS)
- myelin-forming glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) (brain and spinal cord). - functions: Speed up nerve impulses and structural support, myelination - CNS location: white matter
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ependymal cells
- type of glial cell in the central nervous system (CNS) that line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord.
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capillary
A capillary is the smallest type of blood vessel in the circulatory system, designed for exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.
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axolemma
cell membrane of an axon in a neuron.
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blood brain barrier
selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood while allowing essential nutrients to pass through.
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structure of the blood brain barrier
Endothelial Cells of CNS Capillaries - Form the walls of the blood vessels in the brain. - Tight junctions between endothelial cells prevent most substances from slipping between cells. - Few pinocytotic vesicles → reduces leakage across the cells. Basement Membrane - A thin layer of extracellular matrix under the endothelial cells. - Provides structural support and acts as an additional barrier. Astrocyte End-Feet - Processes of astrocytes surround the capillaries. - Regulate nutrient and ion transport into the brain. - Maintain barrier integrity by signaling endothelial cells. Pericytes (optional, but important) - Embedded in the basement membrane. - Help stabilize capillaries, regulate blood flow, and assist in barrier maintenance.
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astrocyte
- glial cell in the central nervous system (CNS) that provide support, protection, and regulation for neurons. - CNS location: grey/white matter
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microglia
- CNS location: grey/white matter - immunlogical function
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