Terms Flashcards
histology
the microscopic study of tissues and cells
epithelium
type of body tissue that forms the covering on all internal and external surfaces of your body, lines body cavities and hollow organs and is the major tissue in glands.
free surface
the surface that is in contact with air.
basement membrane
thin layers of a specialized extracellular matrix that form the supporting structure.
simple epithelium
They form the covering of all body surfaces, line body cavities and hollow organs, and are the major tissue in glands
stratified epithelium
tissue that is composed of more than one layer of epithelial cells.
squamous
type of epithelial cell characterized by its flat and scale-like shape,
cuboidal columnar
cuboidal (boxy, as wide as it is tall), or columnar (rectangular, taller than it is wide).
transitional epithelium
a type of tissue that lines the bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra. It can stretch and expand to accommodate changes in volume, serving as a protective barrier and preventing urine leakage.
gland
a group of cells or an organ that produces and secretes substances, such as hormones, enzymes, or sweat, either into the bloodstream or into a body cavity or surface.
exocrine gland
a gland that secretes substances, such as enzymes, mucus, sweat, oil, or saliva, into ducts. These ducts then transport the secretions to specific locations, such as body surfaces or cavities, to perform their functions.
endocrine gland
a gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are then carried to target organs or tissues in the body, where they regulate various physiological processes and maintain overall balance and homeostasis.
connective tissue
a type of tissue that provides support, structure, and connection between different tissues and organs in the body. It consists of cells and an extracellular matrix that contains fibers and ground substance. Connective tissue plays a role in cushioning, protecting, and nourishing other tissues, as well as in maintaining the overall integrity and function of the body.
matrix
refers to the non-cellular component of connective tissue that surrounds and supports cells. It consists of a gel-like substance called ground substance and various fibers, such as collagen and elastin. The matrix provides structural integrity, strength, and flexibility to the tissue, as well as facilitates cell communication and nutrient exchange.
dense connective tissue
a type of connective tissue characterized by a high density of collagen fibers. It provides strength, support, and resistance to stretching in different parts of the body, such as tendons, ligaments, and the dermis of the skin. Dense connective tissue has fewer cells and more fibers compared to other types of connective tissue, making it well-suited for providing structural integrity and mechanical stability.