Human Body Organisation Flashcards
What are the stages of human body organisation?
Protein –> Cell –> Tissue –> Organ –> Organ System –> Organism
Give 5 examples of cells
- Nerve cell
- Red blood cell
- Fat cell
- Epithelial cell
- Sperm cell
Give the 4 main types of tissue
- Epithelial
- Connective
- Muscle
- Nervous
Where is epithelial tissue found and what is its purpose?
Found on internal and external surface linings to cover and protect surfaces
What is connective tissue?
Groups of tough, strong cells able to bind, providing structural support and connecting other tissues to organs and bones
What is muscle tissue?
Tissue attached to bones that contract to facilitate movement
What does nervous tissue do?
Conducts impulses and coordinates bodily activities
Describe the polarity of epithelial tissue and link this to attachment
- Epithelium has an upside (apical) and a downside (basal) surface
- The basal surface keeps the cells attached to other tissues (e.g. attaches to underlying connective tissue called the reticular layer which secretes collagen and protein fibres to resist overstretching and tearing)
Describe the vascularity of epithelial tissue
Epithelial tissue is avascular, meaning it doesn’t contain blood vessels so that it can protect the underlying tissue from harm
Describe the regeneration of epithelial tissue
Epithelial cells have a large supply of stem cells in the basal membrane so that they can continuously regenerate because they are prone to wear and tear
Give 2 specialised secretions of epithelial tissue
- The lining of the digestive system provides a physical barrier to protect from dehydration, abrasion and harmful substances
- Taste buds are modified epithelial cells providing sensations for taste
What are the 2 aspects of the epithelial cells that allows them to be classified?
Number of cell layers and cell shape
What are the 2 classifications of epithelial tissue based on cell layers?
- Simple epithelium - single layer of cells
2. Stratified epithelium - more than one layer of cells
What are the 3 classifications of epithelial tissue based on cell shape?
- Squamous - flat cells
- Cuboidal - cuboid shape
- Columnar - tall and thin
What are the different types of squamous cells?
- Stacked
- Simple - capillary lining
- Stratified - skin
How are the stratified squamous cells of the skin adapted for their function?
- They use intercellular connections to control permeability of fluid movement
- They contain desmosomes which secrete cell adhesion molecules to maintain structural integrity
What are the different types of cuboidal cells?
- Simple
2. Stratified
Give 3 characteristics of cuboidal cells
- Freely permeable for right sized molecules
- Important in secretion and absorption
- Microvilli
What is the main function of cuboidal cells?
Secretion and absorption (have microvilli)
Give 2 other specialised epithelial tissues
- Transitional (stratified, ability to stretch and return to original shape e.g. urinary bladder)
- Glandular (produce secretions)
Give the main components of the nervous system and explain its function
- Dendrites, spinal cord, brain
- Transmits electrical impulses in response to environmental changes
Give the main components of the urinary system and explain its function
- Kidneys, urethra, ureters
- Eliminates nitrogenous waste from the body
Give the main components of the skeletal system and explain its function
- Femur, ligaments, clavicle
- Provides support and levers for muscular system to function
Give the main components of the cardiovascular system and explain its function
- Blood, heart, capillaries
- Transports oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues and cells
Give the main components of the muscular system and explain its function
- Tendons and muscles
- Body movement including standing, walking, running, smiling and frowning
Give the main components of the integumentary system and explain its function
- Hair, nails, skin
- Damaged by cuts and severe burns
Give the main components of the respiratory system and explain its function
- Nose, bronchioles, alveoli
- For gaseous exchange between alveoli and the blood stream
Give the main components of the reproductive system and explain its function
- Vas deferens, endometrium, ova
- Spermatogenesis and oogenesis
Give the main components of the endocrine system and explain its function
- Pituitary, pancreas, thyroid
- Tissues and specialised cells which produce hormones
Give the main components of the lymphatic system and explain its function
- Lymph vessels, tonsils
- A closed network of vessels draining tissue fluid and substances
Give the main components of the digestive system and explain its function
- Duodenum, stomach, small intestine
- Breaks down undigested food into smaller absorbable molecules
What does the description ‘superior’ refer to?
Towards the head/ upper part of the body
What does the description ‘inferior’ refer to?
Away from the head/ lower part of the body
What does the description ‘anterior’ refer to?
Towards the front of the body
What does the description ‘posterior’ refer to?
Towards the back of the body
What does the description ‘medial’ refer to?
Towards the middle of the body
What does the description ‘lateral’ refer to?
Away from the midline of the body
What does the description ‘intermediate’ refer to?
Between medial and lateral
What does the description ‘proximal’ refer to?
Close to the origin of the body part
What does the description ‘distal’ refer to?
Far away from the origin of the body part
What does the description ‘superficial’ refer to?
Towards/ at the body surface
What does the description ‘deep’ refer to?
Away from the body surface
What is histology?
The study of microscopic tissue structures
What is a biopsy?
Examination of tissue to find the cause/extent of disease/damage
What is tissue viability?
Preventing/treating tissue wounds and facilitating healing
