histology Flashcards
Histology
the study of biological tissues
What is a tissue ?
A tissue is a collection of one or more cell types working together for a common purpose
Tissues are the building blocks of organs
four major types of tissue in the human body
Epithelial
Connective
Muscle
Nervous
Epithelial
Secretion, protection and absorption
Connective
Support, binding, transport and protection
Muscle
Movement
Nervous
Co-ordination
The Nature of Epithelial Tissues
Epithelial tissues are found resting on a structure called the basement membrane. The basement membrane is composed of peptidoglycan (proteins and sugars)
two major categories of epithelial tissue
Simple epithelia
Stratified epithelia
Simple epithelia
Consist of a single layer of cells resting on a basement membrane
Stratified epithelia
Consist of multiple layers of cell stacked on to of each other like layers of bricks in a brick wall
squamous meaning
resembling a “fish scale” and hence these cell types are thin and flat
where is Simple squamous epithelium found?
places where thin membranes are necessary and it is perfectly adapted for the diffusion of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide
squamous epithelial cells
squamous epithelial cells are relatively elastic, this property is exploited in the alveolar air sacs of the lungs
what is alveolar air sac or alveolus surrounded by?
a dense network of blood capillaries
What is the inner layer of each artery and vein called?
endothelium - mainly made from a layer of simple squamous epithelial cells
endothelial layer is in direct contact with the blood
the smooth squamous epithelial cells ensure that resistance to blood flow is minimal
elastic nature of the squamous cells ensures that the blood vessel can dilate to increase blood flow and constrict to reduce blood flow
vasodilation
dilate to increase blood flow
vasoconstriction
constrict to reduce blood flow
what chemicals do squamous cells produce
Nitric Oxide (NO) which help regulate blood flow
Capillaries
smallest blood vessels and found infiltrating virtually all parts of the human body where they function as distribution vessels to ensure blood is delivered to the proximity of all cells and tissues
shape of capillary
formed from a rolled up tube of simple squamous epithelial cells
Between each adjacent squamous epithelial cell are slits which render the capillary permeable
When blood is forced into a capillary, fluid is driven out through these slits and collects in the tiny spaces (interstitial spaces) which are found surrounding the cells of the body
This fluid is called tissue fluid or interstitial fluid and is important in facilitating the movement of oxygen and nutrients into cells
fluid-producing membranes
lined by a layer of simple squamous epithelial cells
exists throughout the body
this squamous layer when examined surface on has an appearance resembling “crazy paving”
squamous epithelium aka “pavement epithelium”
squamous layer secretes a thin watery fluid called “serous fluid” this is found forming a natural slippery lubricant in many regions of the body.
Peritoneum or Peritoneal Membrane
peritoneum is found lining the abdominopelvic cavity - produces serous fluid to lubricate the surface of the internal viscera - prevent potential damage from abrasion during physical bodily movements
peritoneum is moist - susceptible to infection e.g. following a perforated gastric or duodenal ulcer.
Infection of the peritoneum results in significant inflammation and is known as peritonitis