cell diversity and organisation Flashcards
totipotent stem cells
capable of producing any cell type
pluripotent stem cells
capable of producing any cell within a major lineage (ectoderm, endoderm, mesoderm)
multipotent stem cells
capable of producing a restricted set of related cells
stem cells
- cells are derived from non specialist (undifferentiated) cells called stem cells
- capable of producing many types of differentiated cells (specialised)
- capable of self renewal
induced pluripotent stem cells
- can be generated by cells taken from the patient as a simple skin sample
- from IPS scientists can culture nerve cells, heart cells and liver cells
- can use them to find the cause of the patients disease or test the effect of pharmaceuticals
connective tissue
- mainly binds and supports other tissues
- contains sparsely packed cells scattered through an extracellular matrix - fibres in a liquid, jelly like, solid foundation
What is epithelial tissue?
- Epithelial tissue is a body tissue made of tightly packed cells that cover surfaces, line organs and cavities, and form glands.
Functions: - Protection
- Absorption
- Secretion
- Sensation
- It has no blood vessels, regenerates quickly, and sits on a basement membrane.
What is muscle tissue?
Muscle tissue is a type of body tissue specialized for contraction, allowing movement of body parts.
Types:
- Skeletal
- Cardiac
- Smooth
Functions:
- Movement
- Posture
- Heat production
What is skeletal muscle tissue?
Skeletal muscle is a voluntary, striated muscle attached to bones.
Functions:
- Body movement
- Posture
- Heat production
It is multinucleated and under conscious control.
What is cardiac muscle tissue?
Cardiac muscle is an involuntary, striated muscle found only in the heart.
Functions:
- Pumps blood throughout the body
It has one nucleus per cell and intercalated discs for synchronized contractions.
What is smooth muscle tissue?
Smooth muscle is involuntary and non-striated, found in the walls of internal organs.
Functions:
- Moves food, urine, and other substances through the body
- Controls diameter of blood vessels
It has one nucleus per cell and contracts slowly.
What is neuronal tissue?
- Neuronal tissue (or nervous tissue) makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Its main function is to receive, process, and transmit electrical signals. Main cells: - Neurons (transmit signals) - Glial cells (support neurons) Functions: - Sense stimuli - Process information - Control body activities (e.g., muscle movement)
