Histology Flashcards
What is histology?
The study of biological tissues
Histology is crucial for understanding the structure and function of tissues.
What is a tissue?
A collection of one or more cell types working together for a common purpose
Tissues are fundamental components that make up organs.
Why is an understanding of histology essential for healthcare professionals?
They often participate in taking biopsies (tissue samples)
Knowledge of histology helps in diagnosing diseases.
What are the four major types of tissue in the human body?
- Epithelial
- Connective
- Muscle
- Nervous
Each type has distinct functions and characteristics.
What is the primary function of epithelial tissue?
Secretion, protection, and absorption
Epithelial tissues line surfaces and cavities throughout the body.
What does connective tissue do?
Support, binding, transport, and protection
Connective tissues include blood, bone, and cartilage.
What is the function of muscle tissue?
Movement
Muscle tissue is responsible for the contraction and movement of the body.
What is the role of nervous tissue?
Coordination
Nervous tissue is involved in transmitting signals throughout the body.
This presentation focuses entirely on _______ tissues.
epithelial
Other tissue types will be covered in future sessions.
What structure do epithelial tissues rest on?
Basement membrane
The basement membrane is composed of peptidoglycan (proteins and sugars).
What are the two major categories of epithelial tissue?
- Simple epithelia
- Stratified epithelia
Define simple epithelia.
Consist of a single layer of cells resting on a basement membrane.
Define stratified epithelia.
Consist of multiple layers of cells stacked on top of each other.
What does the term squamous mean in the context of epithelial cells?
Resembling a ‘fish scale’; thin and flat.
Where is simple squamous epithelium typically found?
In places where thin membranes are necessary.
What is the primary function of simple squamous epithelium?
Adapted for the diffusion of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.
What property of squamous epithelial cells is exploited in the alveolar air sacs of the lungs?
Elasticity.
Fill in the blank: The basement membrane is composed of _______.
peptidoglycan (proteins and sugars).
True or False: Stratified epithelia consist of a single layer of cells.
False.
What type of epithelial cells predominantly compose the alveolar walls of the lungs?
Simple squamous epithelial cells.
What surrounds each alveolus in the lungs?
A dense network of blood capillaries composed of simple squamous epithelial cells.
What process allows oxygen to enter the blood during inspiration?
Oxygen diffuses rapidly across the alveolar and capillary walls.
What happens to carbon dioxide during expiration?
Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood across the capillary and alveolar walls before being expired.
What is the inner layer of arteries and veins called?
The endothelium.
What type of epithelial cells predominantly make up the endothelium?
Simple squamous epithelial cells.
What is the function of the smooth squamous epithelial cells in blood vessels?
They ensure that resistance to blood flow is minimal.
What allows blood vessels to dilate and constrict?
The elastic nature of the squamous cells.
What are the two processes that regulate blood flow in blood vessels?
Vasodilation increases blood flow, while vasoconstriction reduces blood flow.
What type of cells produce Nitric Oxide (NO)?
Squamous cells
Nitric Oxide helps regulate blood flow.
What are capillaries?
The smallest blood vessels in the human body
Capillaries infiltrate virtually all parts of the body.
What is the primary function of capillaries?
To ensure blood is delivered to the proximity of all cells and tissues.
What is the structure of a capillary?
Formed from a rolled up tube of simple squamous epithelial cells.
What allows capillaries to be permeable?
Slits between adjacent squamous epithelial cells.
What happens when blood is forced into a capillary?
Fluid is driven out through slits and collects in interstitial spaces.