histology Flashcards

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1
Q

Histology

A

the study of biological tissues

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2
Q

What is a tissue ?

A

A tissue is a collection of one or more cell types working together for a common purpose

Tissues are the building blocks of organs

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3
Q

four major types of tissue in the human body

A

Epithelial
Connective
Muscle
Nervous

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4
Q

Epithelial

A

Secretion, protection and absorption

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5
Q

Connective

A

Support, binding, transport and protection

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6
Q

Muscle

A

Movement

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7
Q

Nervous

A

Co-ordination

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8
Q

The Nature of Epithelial Tissues

A

Epithelial tissues are found resting on a structure called the basement membrane. The basement membrane is composed of peptidoglycan (proteins and sugars)

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9
Q

two major categories of epithelial tissue

A

Simple epithelia

Stratified epithelia

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10
Q

Simple epithelia

A

Consist of a single layer of cells resting on a basement membrane

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11
Q

Stratified epithelia

A

Consist of multiple layers of cell stacked on to of each other like layers of bricks in a brick wall

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12
Q

squamous meaning

A

resembling a “fish scale” and hence these cell types are thin and flat

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13
Q

where is Simple squamous epithelium found?

A

places where thin membranes are necessary and it is perfectly adapted for the diffusion of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide

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14
Q

squamous epithelial cells

A

squamous epithelial cells are relatively elastic, this property is exploited in the alveolar air sacs of the lungs

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15
Q

what is alveolar air sac or alveolus surrounded by?

A

a dense network of blood capillaries

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16
Q

What is the inner layer of each artery and vein called?

A

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

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17
Q

vasodilation

A

dilate to increase blood flow

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18
Q

vasoconstriction

A

constrict to reduce blood flow

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19
Q

what chemicals do squamous cells produce

A

Nitric Oxide (NO) which help regulate blood flow

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20
Q

Capillaries

A

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

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21
Q

shape of capillary

A

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

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22
Q

fluid-producing membranes

A

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.

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23
Q

Peritoneum or Peritoneal Membrane

A

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

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24
Q

Layers Of The Gut - The Serosa

A

The outer layer of the gut is a serous membrane called the serosa

the serosa produces a lubricating serous fluid which coats the outer layer of the gut

this fluid with that produced by the peritoneum, help prevent abrasion and damage

25
Q

The layers of the pericardium

A

The pericardium is a compound membrane surrounding the heart

protects the heart and anchor it in position within the thorax

the pericardial sac is lined by a thin membrane called the parietal pericardium which is a serous membrane formed from a simple squamous epithelium

The serous fluid produced by the parietal pericardium is termed pericardial fluid - fills up the pericardial sac forming a layer of lubricating fluid which protects the beating heart

26
Q

what are the lungs surrounded by?

A

The lungs are surrounded by two serous membranes which are known as the pleural membranes

27
Q

what is the parietal pleural membrane attached to?

A

the inner surface of the thoracic cavity (ribcage)

28
Q

what is the visceral pleural membrane attached to?

A

the outer surface of the lungs

29
Q

what is between the two serious membranes

A

a cavity aka pleural cavity which is filled with a serous fluid produced by the pleura

30
Q

what is the fluid produced by the pleura called and what does it do?

A

pleural fluid - helps to adhere the outer surface of
the lungs to the inner chest wall

Pleural fluid often can become infected leading to inflammation to the pleural membranes which is known as pleurisy

31
Q

what is the simple cuboidal epithelium composed of?

A

a single layer of cube-shaped cells

A good example of its location is the kidneys where it forms the walls of the kidney tubules

Some simple cuboidal epithelial cells are ciliated

32
Q

what does Simple cuboidal epithelium have a great volume of?

A

a much greater volume of cytoplasm compared to simple squamous epithelial cells

the cytoplasm of the cell - primarily involved in biochemical processing

33
Q

what are Simple cuboidal epithelium excellent at in the kidney tubules

A

regulating the composition of renal filtrate (the precursor to urine) where they ensure that waste products remain within the tubules whilst simultaneously ensuring that useful chemicals such as glucose, amino acids and hormones are reabsorbed back into the blood

34
Q

what are ependymal cells

A

specialised cuboidal epithelial cells which line the ventricles hollow chambers within the brain

35
Q

where are Ependymal cells found?

A

in greatest densities in areas known as the choroid plexus within the ventricles

which fills the ventricles and surrounds the brain and spinal cord

36
Q

what produces the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

A

the choroid plexus

fills the ventricles and surrounds the brain and spinal cord

CSF functions as a cushion with the brain and spinal cord effectively suspended in this fluid which acts as a shock absorber

The outer layer of cilia help ensure that the CSF remains mobile

37
Q

what is the Simple Columnar epithelium

A

a single layer of column-shaped cells found lining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract

Large cytoplasmic volume ensures slow absorption of nutrients into the blood

38
Q

microvilli

A

Many columnar epithelial cells have their surface area increased by small finger-like projections termed microvilli

enhances the absorption of nutrients and in the ileum have enzymes embedded into their surfaces which help complete the process of chemical digestion

layer of columnar epithelial cells lining the gut have mucus producing goblet cells - helps lubricate the passage of food through the GI tract and also coats the intestinal mucosa preventing chemical autodigestion

39
Q

Goblet cells

A

Goblet cells produce mucin granules

On release mucin granules expand on contact with water

40
Q

appearance of freshly produced mucus

A

transparent and very sticky ensuring it coats the mucosal surfaces

When mucus traps particulate material it becomes darker in colour

41
Q

what does mucus contain

A

a variety of antimicrobial compounds such as lysozyme which can kill some forms of bacteria by attacking their cell walls initiating lysis (bursting)

42
Q

Ciliated columnar epithelium

A

Some forms of columnar epithelium have mobile hair-like projections called cilia extending from their apical surface

43
Q

where is Ciliated columnar epithelium found?

A

found lining the fallopian tubes

44
Q

Ciliated columnar epithelium function

A

the cilia beat in co-ordinated waves where they function to transport the ova released during ovulation along the fallopian tubes into the uterus

45
Q

Chlamydia trachomatis

A

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the UK

In some women it can migrate into the fallopian tubes damaging the ciliated columnar epithelium thereby preventing it from acting as an effective transport mechanism for ova

46
Q

leading cause of infertility in females

A

Loss of the ability to transport ova into uterus

47
Q

ectopic pregnancy

A

Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency since there is a risk that the tube can rupture

If an ovum is fertilised there is a risk that it can become stuck within the fallopian tube potentially leading to an ectopic pregnancy

48
Q

Stratified squamous epithelium

A

Composed predominantly of multiple layers of thin flat (squamous) cells

The first layer of cells resting on the basement membrane are cube- shaped and continually dividing by mitosis

49
Q

example of a stratified squamous epithelium

A

the epidermis of the skin

50
Q

what happens in the epidermis

A

newly produced layers of cells gradually get pushed to the surface and become flattened as they are compressed by the overlaying layers

51
Q

what do the epidermal cells gradually accumulate?

A

the protein keratin as they move to the surface; this protein renders the cells impermeable to oxygen and so they gradually die

The outer layers of epidermal cells are entirely dead and gradually slough off at the surface to make way for the newer cells beneath

52
Q

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

A

A relatively rare tissue composed of multiple layers of cube-shaped cells

Found surrounding developing follicles within the ovaries

A strong epithelium which allows a build-up of pressure within the follicle as it enlarges

Eventually the pressure causes the stratified cuboidal layer to rupture expelling the ovum into the fallopian tube during ovulation

53
Q

Stratified columnar epithelium

A

Composed of multiple layers of column-shaped cells

A rare tissue found lining the male urethra and the conjunctiva of the eyes

Also found in portions of the pharynx (throat) and vas deferens (sperm ducts)

relatively thick and robust tissue with its major role being protection

54
Q

Pseudostratified epithelium

A

pseudostratified means “falsely stratified” because on superficial inspection this tissue appears to be composed of multiple layers of cells but in reality this is a single layer of cells with each cell in contact with the basement membrane

55
Q

where is Pseudostratified epithelium found

A

lining the respiratory tract where it forms the mucociliary escalator

56
Q

what do Goblet cells in the pseudostratified layer produce

A

mucus which traps particles inhaled into the airway.

The beating cilia then moves this contaminated mucus upwards toward the pharynx (throat) where it is swallowed before being sterilised in the acidic gastric juice of the stomach

57
Q

why does Pseudostratified epithelium have a falsely stratified appearance

A

some cells in the layer extend all the way to the surface while other smaller cells remain compressed below.

The larger cells extending to the surface are ciliated with their hair-like cilia beating in sweeping, co-ordinated waves

58
Q

what causes Whooping Cough

A

The bacterium Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough

This bacterium infects the respiratory tract damaging the mucociliary escalator.

Since the contaminated mucus cannot be cleared effectively it sinks down into the respiratory tract triggering a vigorous coughing reflex

Because of a drop-off in the uptake of the whooping cough vaccine, this disease has become more prevalent in the UK

Whooping cough is a potentially deadly infection, particularly in young children

59
Q

Transitional epithelium

A

An elastic stratified epithelium lining certain hollow organs such as the bladder;

Called transitional because the cells change shape according to the current volume of fluid in the organ.

When the bladder is full the cells are compressed and flat (squamous), as the
bladder progressively empties the cells transition from flat to cube-shaped and eventually column-shaped when fully empty

The outer cells of the tissue slough off and collect in the urine where they may contribute to sediment found in urine samples