Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Anatomy & Physiology > Histology > Flashcards

Histology Flashcards

1
Q

A group of similar cells working together.

A

Tissue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

A group of tissues functioning together.

A

Organ

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

The study of tissues.

A

Histology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Name the four main types of tissues.

A

Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, & Nervous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the key function of epithelial tissue.

A

It forms linings on exposed surfaces.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

List other functions of epithelial tissue.

A

It forms protective coverings, secretes important substances, absorbs materials, and excretes wastes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Describe the key structures seen in epithelial tissues.

A

A superficial layer exposed to a surface and a basement membrane attaching the tissue to other deeper tissues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Name and describe the 3 main epithelial cell shapes.

A
  1. Squamous (“scaly”): round, flat cells
  2. Cuboidal: cells approximately cubic
  3. Columnar: cells long and narrow, like columns
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Explain the difference between simple, stratified, and pseudostratified epithelium.

A
  1. Simple epithelium only has one layer of cells between the basement membrane and the surface.
  2. Stratified epithelium has several layers of cells between the basement membrane and the surface.
  3. Pseudostratified epithelium looks layered at first because the cells’ nuclei are at different levels, but actually there is only one layer of cells between the basement membrane and the surface.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name the 9 types of epithelial tissue.

A
  1. Simple Squamous Epithelium
  2. Stratified Squamous Epithelium
  3. Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
  4. Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium
  5. Simple Columnar Epithelium (may or may not be ciliated)
  6. Stratified Columnar Epithelium (may or may not be ciliated)
  7. Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium (may or may not be ciliated)
  8. Transitional Epithelium
  9. Glandular Epithelium
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the function of the basement membrane.

A

Anchors epithelium to deeper connective tissue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the thinnest epithelial tissue, where is it found, and how does its structure fit its function?

A

Simple squamous, found in the lungs and blood vessels, materials can easily cross it because it is so thin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Name the hollow spaces inside organs and blood vessels that are lined with epithelial tissue.

A

Lumen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Name the microscopic projections of cell membrane and cytoplasm found on some eptihthelial cells.

A

Microvilli

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe the function of the microvilli – how does their structure suit this function?

A

They allow the cells to absorb molecules more quickly because they increase the surface area of the membrane.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Name the cells that are sometimes embedded in columnar epithelium - they usually look clear.

A

Goblet Cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Describe the function of goblet cells.

A

They secrete mucous to lubricate lumens or to trap particles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Describe how the Ciliated Columnar Epithelium inside the bronchial tubes helps us stay healthy.

A

The goblet cells in the epithelium secrete mucous that traps any inhaled particles such as dust, pollen, bacteria, and smoke. The cilia then move the mucous and particles up out of our lungs, helping us avoid infections and blockages in the lungs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What kind of epithelium forms our skin, and why is its structure suited to its function?

A

Stratified squamous epithelium – the many layers of flattened cells provide a protective barrier. The skin can afford to sacrifice the upper layers of cells due to scrapes and bumps, because 1. There are many layers of cells, so the deeper tissues are not exposed by a simple scrape. 2. The epithelium does not have a good blood supply, so the body only loses blood if deeper tissues are damaged. 3. The cells divide quickly, so any cells that are lost are easily replaced.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Where is mitosis occurring in stratified epithelium, and what happens to the cells as they get older?

A

Mitosis occurs in the deepest layers of stratified epithelium, close to the basement membrane. As the cells age, they get pushed to the superficial layers by younger cells deeper than them. When they are older they reach the surface, and they will eventually fall off and be completely replaced.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Describe the process of keratinization.

A

Cells in the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin gradually become filled with the protein called keratin as they age. This makes them waterproof, trapping moisture inside the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What impact does keratinization have on our skin and its cells?

A

The cells become less flexible and waterproof, forming a barrier on the outer surface of our skin that blocks bacteria from entering our bodies and traps water inside our deeper tissues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What feature is unique to transitional epithelium?

A

It can stretch and relax as the organs it lines expand and contract.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

How does the transitional epithelium accomplish its ability to become distended?

A

Cells in the relaxed tissue are shaped like stratified cuboidal epithelium, but as they are stretched, their shape changes to stratified squamous epithelium. The tissue also becomes thinner as it is distended.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Glandular epithelium is usually made of which types of epithelial cells?
Cuboidal and / or columnar.
26
A gland that secretes materials into a duct.
Exocrine gland
27
A gland that secretes materials into blood or body fluids.
Endocrine gland
28
The glands studied as part of epithelial tissue.
Exocrine glands – they have ducts.
29
An exocrine gland that releases entire cells along with its secretory molecules.
Holocrine gland
30
An exocrine gland that releases cell fragments along with its secretory molecules.
Apocrine gland
31
An exocrine gland that only releases molecules.
Merocrine gland
32
A watery fluid with secretory molecules in it.
Serous fluid
33
A thicker fluid with secretory molecules in it.
Mucus
34
Compare epithelial tissue to connective tissue.
Epithelial tissue lacks a blood supply, the cells divide rapidly, and the cells are packed together tightly. Connective tissue has a good blood supply, the cells divide slowly, and the cells are spread apart with a matrix between them.
35
Describe the key function of connective tissue.
It makes up body parts and joins them together.
36
List other functions of connective tissue.
It joins body parts, supports body, protects organs, fills spaces, stores fat, makes blood cells, repairs other tissues.
37
Describe the key structures seen in connective tissues.
It has various cells and fibers spread out in a space filled with a liquid, solid, or gel-like material.
38
Name the space between the cells of connective tissue.
Matrix
39
What are the three main cell types in connective tissue – and what are their functions?
Fibroblasts are fixed cells which build and secrete various fibers into the matrix. Mast Cells are fixed cells that release heparin and histamine. Macrophages are wandering cells that defend against disease.
40
Name and describe the three types of fibers found in connective tissues.
Collagenous fibers (aka, white fibers), are strong, made of the protein collagen, and add strength to various body parts. Elastic fibers (aka, yellow fibers) are stretchy, made of the protein elastin, and add flexibility to various body parts. Reticular fibers are thin networks that provide extra support to various body parts.
41
What does “reticular” or “reticulum” mean?
Net, or network, or interconnections
42
Name the six types of connective tissue
Loose Connective Tissue (aka, areolar tissue), Dense Connective Tissue, Adipose Tissue, Cartilage, Bone, & Blood
43
Describe the structure of Loose Connective Tissue (Areolar Tissue)
Fibroblast cells spread out in a gel-like matrix, with various collagenous and elastic fibers crossing through the matrix.
44
Describe the function of Loose Connective Tissue (Areolar Tissue)
Forms thin membranes between and around organs that bind these organs together. (The serous membranes - parietal and visceral - found lining the body cavities.)
45
Describe the structure of Dense Connective Tissue.
Fibroblast cells are squeezed into a matrix made of tightly packed collagenous fibers – they often have a wavy appearance in the microscope.
46
Describe the function of Dense Connective Tissue.
It forms body parts that need to be strong, yet somewhat flexible, such as ligaments and tendons.
47
Describe the structure of Adipose Tissue.
It is a type of loose connective tissue where vacuoles in the cells are filled with lipid molecules, pushing the cell organelles (including the nucleus) up against the cell membranes.
48
Describe the function of Adipose Tissue.
It stores fat for energy storage, insulation from cold, and protection from impacts.
49
Give the proper name for a cartilage cell.
Chondrocyte
50
Give the name for the cavities where cartilage cells are found.
Lacunae
51
Describe the structure of cartilage.
Cartilage is a rigid connective tissue made of chondrocytes in lacunae within a gel-like matrix. The matrix includes both collagenous and elastic fibers, and is enclosed by a membrane called the perichondrium ("around cartilage").
52
Describe the function of cartilage.
It provides a supportive framework for body parts, helping them keep their shape without being completely solid.
53
Name the three types of cartilage, describe them, and name body parts that contain them.
Hyaline cartilage has many collagenous fibers and is white. It is found at the ends of bones and in the trachea (windpipe). Elastic cartilage has many elastic fibers and is yellowish. It is found in the ears and in the larynx (voicebox) where its vibrations allow us to speak. Fibrocartilage has many collagenous fibers and is very tough. It absorbs shocks in our knees, in our spinal discs, and in our pelvis.
54
Name the mineral salt deposited in the matrix of bone tissue.
Calcium phosphate
55
Give the proper name for a bone cell.
Osteocyte
56
Give the name for the cavities where a bone cells are found.
Lacunae
57
Name the interconnections between bone cells that allow them to receive nutrients and release wastes.
Canaliculae
58
Name the opening in bone tissue which contains arterioles, venules, and nerves.
Osteonic canal, or central canal.
59
Name the layers of bone cells and minerals that surround the central canal.
Lamellae
60
Name the basic structure of bone tissue that includes a cylinder of several lamellae surrounding an osteonic canal.
Osteon
61
Describe several functions of bone tissue.
Support body parts, protect internal organs, provide sites for muscle attachment which allow movement, and make blood cells.
62
Describe the main function of blood tissue.
Transport various materials throughout the body.
63
Name the four components of blood tissue.
Erythrocytes (RBC), Leukocytes (WBC), Thrombocytes (platelets), and plasma.
64
Describe the structure of erythrocytes.
Flattened disks with a concave center – no nucleus.
65
Describe the function of erythrocytes.
Carry oxygen and CO2 between the lungs and body cells.
66
Name the protein that carries oxygen and CO2.
Hemoglobin
67
Describe the structure of leukocytes.
Larger than RBC, with a multi-lobed nucleus.
68
Describe the function of leukocytes.
There are many types of WBC, each with their own specific role, but they generally work together to fight disease.
69
Describe the structure of thrombocytes.
Small cell fragments.
70
Describe the function of thrombocytes.
Form blood clots to stop bleeding when necessary.
71
Describe the structure of plasma.
It is the liquid fraction of the blood, with various molecules dissolved in it.
72
Describe the function of plasma.
Provide a liquid environment that allows the heart to pump blood cells and dissolved molecules throughout the body.
73
Describe the key function of muscle tissue.
Movement of body parts, either intentionally or automatically.
74
List other functions of muscle tissue.
Moving body parts, pumping blood, moving food through digestive canal, changing the size of blood vessels and the iris of the eye, and more.
75
Describe the key structures seen in muscle tissues.
Long, narrow cells that can shorten. Some muscle types have stripes; other kinds don’t.
76
Give the proper name for any striped muscle tissue.
Striated muscle
77
Name the two important proteins found in muscle cells.
Actin and myosin.
78
Explain how muscles contract.
The actin and myosin slide past each other, shortening the cell.
79
Name the three types of muscle tissue.
Skeletal, Smooth, and Cardiac.
80
Describe the structure, location, and function of skeletal muscle.
It is striated, cells have multiple nuclei, it is attached to bone, controlled by voluntary nerve impulses, and moves body parts.
81
Explain why some muscle cells are striated and others are not.
Striated cells have the actin and myosin proteins organized into layers that look like stripes. The actin and myosin in smooth muscle is more random.
82
Describe the structure, location, and function of smooth muscle.
It is not striated, the cells are more spread apart than skeletal muscle, it is found in the digestive canal, the iris of the eye, arterioles, and the bladder, it moves automatically, and it opens and closes various openings in organs.
83
Describe the structure, location, and function of cardiac muscle.
It is striated, the cells are connected with intercalated discs, it moves automatically, and it pumps blood throughout the body.
84
Describe the key function of nervous tissue.
Sending and receiving messages (communication).
85
List other functions of nervous tissue.
1. Inputs: gathering sensory data 2. Processing: analyzing information from the senses, memories, and more 3. Outputs: sending commands to muscles and glands
86
Describe the key structures seen in nervous tissues.
Nerve cells with many branches gathering inputs and a long process sending outputs.
87
Give the proper name of a nerve cell.
Neuron
88
What are the branches on a neuron that gather inputs called?
Dendrites
89
What is the long process of a neuron that sends an output called?
Axon
90
How do neurons communicate with each other?
By sending both electrical and chemical signals.
91
Describe the electrical signals used by neurons.
An electrical impulse moves down the length of a single neuron, from the cell body to the tips of the axon.
92
Name the molecules used for chemical signals by neurons.
Neurotransmitters
93
Name the space between neurons where they communicate with each other.
Synapse
94
Describe the chemical signals used by neurons.
When the electrical impulse reaches the tip of the axon, it releases neurotransmitter molecules into the synapse, where they cross to the dendrites on the neuron on the other side and stimulate its receptors.
95
Name the main parts of a neuron.
Cell body, dendrites, axon
96
Describe the function of a neuron's cell body.
Supports the metabolic needs of the cell.
97
Describe the function of the dendrites.
Receives incoming messages from other neurons.
98
Describe the function of the axon.
Sends messages out to other neurons or muscles.
99
What is a synapse, and what does it do?
It is the place where one neuron communicates with another by releasing neurotransmitter molecules into the space between the two cells.
100
How does a neuron send a message from one end of the cell to the other?
An individual neuron sends an electrical signal (called the action potential) from its cell body to the tip of its axon.
101
How does a neuron send a message to another neuron?
It releases neurotransmitters into the synapse, and the neurotransmitters give a message to the neuron on the other side of the synapse.

Anatomy & Physiology (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions