Week 1 Flashcards
Epithelium, Anatomical planes, Directional terms, Cell structure, Cell surface specialisation (26 cards)
What are the characteristics of simple squamous epithelium?
1 flat layer; diffusion/filtration; found in lungs and blood vessels
Simple squamous epithelium is the thinnest type of epithelium, facilitating easy passage of substances.
What is the function of simple cuboidal epithelium?
Absorption/secretion; found in kidney tubules
Simple cuboidal epithelium is involved in the secretion of hormones and other substances.
Describe the structure and function of simple columnar epithelium.
1 tall layer; absorption/secretion; located in intestines and stomach
Simple columnar epithelium often contains goblet cells that secrete mucus.
What type of epithelium is found in the skin and mouth?
Stratified squamous epithelium
This type provides protection against abrasion and pathogens.
What are the characteristics of stratified cuboidal epithelium?
2+ cube-shaped layers; protection/limited secretion; found in sweat and salivary gland ducts
Stratified cuboidal epithelium is relatively rare in the body.
What is the primary function of pseudostratified columnar epithelium?
Moves mucus; found in the trachea
This epithelium often has cilia that help in the movement of mucus.
What is the function of transitional epithelium?
Expansion/stretching; located in the bladder and ureters
Transitional epithelium can change shape and allows for the distension of the urinary organs.
What does the sagittal plane divide the body into?
Left and right parts
Mid-sagittal divides into equal left and right, while para-sagittal divides into unequal parts.
How does the coronal plane divide the body?
Into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts
Also known as the frontal plane.
What is the definition of superior in directional terms?
Toward the head
Example: The head is superior to the chest.
What is the meaning of inferior in anatomical terms?
Toward the feet
Example: Feet are inferior to the pelvis.
Define anterior in anatomical terms.
Toward the front
Example: The sternum is anterior to the heart.
What does the term posterior refer to?
Toward the back
Example: The spine is posterior to the stomach.
What is meant by medial in directional terms?
Toward the midline
Example: The nose is medial to the eyes.
What does lateral mean?
Away from the midline
Example: The ears are lateral to the eyes.
What does proximal indicate in anatomical terms?
Closer to origin or trunk
Example: The elbow is proximal to the wrist.
Define distal in anatomy.
Farther from origin or trunk
Example: Fingers are distal to the elbow.
What does superficial refer to?
Closer to the surface of the body
Example: Skin is superficial to muscle.
What is meant by deep in anatomical terminology?
Further from the surface of the body
Example: Bones are deep to muscle.
What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?
Stores genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities
The nucleus is often referred to as the control center of the cell.
What role does the cytoplasm play in a cell?
Gel-like fluid where chemical reactions occur and holds organelles
Cytoplasm is essential for maintaining the cell’s shape and providing a medium for molecular movement.
What is the function of the plasma membrane?
Controls entry/exit of substances and allows communication between cells
The plasma membrane is selectively permeable.
What is the function of cilia?
Moves fluid or mucus over cell surface; found in the respiratory tract
Cilia are important for clearing debris from the airways.
What is the purpose of microvilli?
Increases surface area for absorption; found in small intestines and kidney tubules
Microvilli enhance nutrient absorption efficiency.
