main types of cells in body

Question 1

define stem cells

Answer 1

• stem cells start as unspecialised cells which then develop into specialised cells to build specific organs and tissues.
• They can divide and replicate many time to help repair tissue.
• Can generate cells for tissue repair, organ transplantation, and treating diseases.

Question 2

define bone cells

Answer 2

• a type of mineralised connective tissue, and makes up most of the skeletal system.
  3 TYPES:
  1. Osteoclasts - large cells that decompose bone for resorption and assimilation while they heal.
  2. Osteoblasts - regulate bone mineralization and produces osteoid (an organic substance that mineralises to form bone)
  3. Osteocytes - formed from osteoblasts, and aid in calcium in balance and formation of the bone.

Question 3

define blood cells

Answer 3

• they are vital to life as they help transport oxygen throughout the body to fight infection.
• They are produced by bone marrow.
  3 TYPES:
  1. Red Blood Cells - determine blood type and is responsible for transporting in oxygen via the haemoglobin.
  2. White Blood Cells - Immune cells that destroy pathogens and aid in immunity.
  3. Platelets - fragments of blood cells which help clot blood to stop bleeding due to damaged blood vessels.

Question 4

define Adipose/Fat Cells

Answer 4

• are a major component of adipose tissue.
• contains stored fat called triglycerides for energy
  -When fat is stored, the cell becomes swollen and when fat is used, they shrink.
• Critical for endocrine system as they produce hormones that aids in metabolism, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and fat storage.

Question 5

define skin cells

Answer 5

• form epithelia tissue as the skin is a layer of epithelial tissue.
• outermost layer of the skin is made of flat, squamous epithelial cells that are closely together.
• protects internal structures of the body from damage, prevents dehydration and a barrier against germs.

Question 6

define connective tissue cells

Answer 6

• many cell types in the connective tissue, main 3 being:
  1.Fibroblast - gives structure to tissues and help wound healing
  2.Macrophage - type of white blood cell in the immune system that digests pathogens to defend the body against infection and injury.
  3.Mast Cell - Part of the immune system, and is rich in histamine and heparin.

Question 7

define nerve cells

Answer 7

• the most basic unit of the nervous system
• they send chemical signals between the brain, spinal cord and other body organs using nerve impulses.
  3 TYPES:
  1.Sensory Neurons - carry signals to the outer parts of your body into the central nervous system.
  2.Motor Neurons - carry signals from the central nervous system to the outer parts of body, such as muscles and skin.
  3.Glial Cells - provide support functions for the neurons by making sure they go to the right places,a nd remove any neurons that are damaged.

Question 8

define endothelial cells

Answer 8

• form the inner lining of the cardiovascular and lymphatic structures.
• make up inner layer of blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and organs like brain, lungs, heart.
• responsible for the creation of new blood vessels.
• regulate the movement of gases and fluid between the blood and surrounding tissues and help maintain blood pressure.

Question 9

define sex cells

Answer 9

• reproductive cells created in males and females that are used in sexual reproduction.
  1. Sperm - motile, and have long tail like projection called flagella
  2. Ova - non-motile, and relatively large compared to sperm.
• These cells unite during fertilisation, an reproduce by meiosis.

Question 10

define pancreatic cells

Answer 10

• important for regulating blood glucose levels, and digestion of proteins, carbs and fats.
• found in small clusters called islets of Langerhans and produce hormones such as insulin, glucagon and gastrin.