Soft Tissue Structure & Function Flashcards
What are the 4 types of tissue?
Connective, muscle, epithelial, nervous
What is epithelial tissue?
Epithelia & glands. Epithelia are cells that cover internal and external surfaces. Glands produce fluid secretions & are either attached to or derived from epithelia. Bound closely with an exposed surface. Avascular. Continuously replaced/regenerating.
What are the 4 functions of epithelial tissue?
- Physical protection
- Control permeability
- Provide sensation
- Produce specialised secretions
What is an endocrine gland and give examples.
Ductless glands, secrete hormones into cellular spaces then into blood. Hormones regulate or co-ordinate activities. E.g. pituitary, thyroid, thymus.
What is an exocrine gland and give examples.
Secrete products into ducts that empty onto the epithelial surface. E.g. digestive enzymes, sweat, tears.
What is connective tissue?
Never exposed to the outside environment and connect epithelial tissue to the rest of the body. Many are highly vascular and fill internal spaces.
What 3 classifications can connective tissue be split into?
CT proper, Fluid CT, Supporting CT
What can CT proper be split into?
Loose CT - resilient and can return to original shape (loosely packed collagen and elastin fibres)
Dense CT - fibrous, can be regular (collagen fibres run in parallel lines) or irregular (interwoven)
What can fluid CT be split into?
Blood and lymph
What can supporting CT be split into?
Cartilage & bone
What are the functions of CT?
Structural framework
Transports fluids and dissolved materials
Protects delicate organs
Supports, surrounds & connects other types of tissue
Stores energy
Defends body from invading micro-organisms
What is cartilage?
Closely packed collagen fibres embedded in a firm matrix gel containing chondrocytes and proteoglycans.
