Human Body Tissues Flashcards
(18 cards)
What are the four major tissue types in the human body?
Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous
What are key characteristics of epithelial tissue?
Highly cellular, avascular, anchored to a basement membrane, lines surfaces and cavities.
What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?
Protection, Absorption, Secretion, Filtration, Sensory reception
What is the basement membrane?
A protein layer that connects epithelial tissue to underlying connective tissue.
Name 3 simple epithelial tissue types and their functions.
Simple squamous: diffusion/filtration (e.g., alveoli, capillaries)
Simple cuboidal: absorption/secretion (e.g., kidney tubules)
Simple columnar: absorption/secretion (e.g., digestive tract)
What is pseudostratified epithelium?
A single layer of irregular columnar cells that appears stratified; lines the respiratory tract.
What is stratified squamous epithelium and where is it found?
Multiple layers for protection; found in skin, mouth, esophagus.
What are the main functions of connective tissue?
Support and bind tissues, Protection, Storage (e.g., fat), Transport (e.g., blood), Defense (immune)
What are the main components of connective tissue?
Cells (fibroblasts, adipocytes, immune cells), Protein fibers (collagen, elastin, reticular), Ground substance
What are the 3 types of loose connective tissue?
Areolar (binds skin to organs), Adipose (fat storage), Reticular (framework for soft organs like spleen, liver)
What are the 3 types of dense connective tissue?
Dense regular: parallel collagen (tendons), Dense irregular: random collagen (dermis), Elastic: more elastin, flexible (arteries)
What is fluid connective tissue?
Blood and lymph – contain cells suspended in a fluid matrix (plasma or lymph).
What is the general function of muscle tissue?
To contract and produce movement or force.
What are the 3 types of muscle tissue?
Skeletal: Voluntary, striated, multi-nucleated (attached to bones)
Cardiac: Involuntary, striated, single nucleus (heart)
Smooth: Involuntary, non-striated, single nucleus (organs, blood vessels)
Which type of muscle tissue regenerates the best?
Smooth muscle has some regenerative capacity; skeletal and cardiac have limited regeneration.
What is the primary function of nervous tissue?
To send and receive electrical impulses (communication and control).
What are the two main cell types in nervous tissue?
Neurons: Conduct electrical signals
Neuroglia (glial cells): Support, nourish, and protect neurons
Where is nervous tissue found?
Brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
