Organisation In Human Function

Question 1

What is a cell?

Answer 1

Basic unit of life/living matter

Building block with which the body is constructed

Question 2

What is a tissue?

Answer 2

Collection of similar/specialised cells working/grouped together to perform specialised functions

Question 3

What is an organ?

Answer 3

A structural grouping of specialised tissues that perform a specific function(s)

Question 4

What is an organ system?

Answer 4

A group of specialised organs working together to carry out a particular task

Question 5

What are glial cells?

Answer 5

Supporting cells within the nervous tissue

Essential for normal function of nerve cells (neurones)

Important in memory formation and central role in brain injury/disease

Question 6

What are the 4 main types of tissues?

Answer 6

Epithelial
Connective
Muscle
Nervous

Question 7

What is collagen?

Answer 7

Protein whose structure provides strength and flexibility

E.g. parallel bundles of collagen fibres in a tendon

Question 8

What is elastin?

Answer 8

Protein with a different structure allowing for distortion and restoration of a structured original shape

E.g. walls of blood vessels contain elastin fibres to allow for expansion and recoiling as blood passes through

Question 9

What is the function of fibroblasts?

Answer 9

Secrete extracellular fibres, mostly made of non-stretchy collagen and very elastic elastin

Question 10

What’s the function of mast cells?

Answer 10

Secrete histamine in inflammatory reactions and heparin which prevents blood clotting

Question 11

What is the function of macrophages?

Answer 11

Engulf or phagocytose pathogens, ageing cells, damaged cells and cancer cells

Question 12

What is the function of muscle tissue?

Answer 12

Specialised tissue that has the ability to contract and conduct electrical impulses

Question 13

What is epithelial tissue?

Answer 13

One of the simplest tissues

Demonstrates how individual cells can build up into tissues of varying complexity

Question 14

Why is tissue typing carried out?

Answer 14

Provide evidence of tissue compatibility d the recipient receives a donated organ or tissue with a tissue type similar to their own

Question 15

What is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)?

Answer 15

Identifies antigens on the WBC determining tissue compatibility

Question 16

What is the function of connective tissue?

Answer 16

Ensures tissues and organs are supported and held in position in the body, binding, supporting and protecting other body tissues

Role in controlling movement of substances as they pass from blood to cells

Movement and migration of cells during embryological development and wound healing

Question 17

What is connective tissue?

Answer 17

Strong and consists of a matrix (variety of cells and fibres may be embedded)

Question 18

What is in the matrix of connective tissue?

Answer 18

May be a liquid, solid or gel

Composition determines characteristics and function of particular connective tissues

Fibre within it comprise primarily of collagen and elastin

Question 19

What is nervous tissue?

Answer 19

Consists of nerve cells and associated supporting tissues

Made up of specialised nerve cells- neurones

Question 20

What is the function of neurones?

Answer 20

Specialised to react to stimuli and conduct impulses to various organs in the body, bringing about a response to stimuli

Easily stimulated, transmitting impulses rapidly

Provide physical support, electrical insulation and metabolic exchange with vascular system