Unit 1 Flashcards
Characteristics of Four Basic Types of Tissue
1) Nervous-
- Cells-intertwining elongated processes
- ECM-none
- Main functions- transmission of nervous impulses
2) Epithelial-
- Cells-aggregated polyhedral cells
- ECM- very small amount
- Main f(x)n- lining of surface or body cavities, glandular secretion
3) Muscle-
- Elongated contractile cells
- ECM- moderate amount
- Main f(x)n- movement
4) Connective
- cells- several types of fixed and wandering cells
- ECM- abundant amount
- Main f(x)n- support and protection
The Preparation of Tissue for Light Microscopy
1) Fixation
- to preserve tissue morphology and molecular composition (12 h)
2) Dehydration in graded concentrated ethyl alcohol (70% up to 100%)
- to replace tissue water with organic solvents (6-24h)
3) Clearing in benzene, xylene or toluene
- to impregnate the tissues with a paraffin or a plastic resin solvent (1-6h)
4) Embedding in melted paraffin at 60 degrees C or plastic resin at room temperature
- paraffin or resin penetrates all intercellular spaces and even into the cells, making the tissues more resistant to sectioning (1-3h)
1) Fixation
2) Sectioning
3) Staining
Staining tissues
- used to localize and distinguish cell and tissue components
- Acidic stains (eosin) bind basic structures and components *cytoplasmic proteins
- Basic stains (hematoxylin) bind acidic tissue components (nucleic acids, RNA)
- the stain mixture of hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) is commonly used to distinguish the nucleus from the cytoplasm
Epithelium
- meaning upon nipple
- has closely coherent cells that form cellular sheets that cover and line the many surfaces and lumens of the body
- one can distinguish between covering epithelia and glandular epithelia
Functions of the Epithelium
- cover surfaces
- provide protection
- secrete and adsorb various substances
- transport particles
Thin, simple- transport
Thick stratifed-protection
Simple squamous
- lining of vessels (endothelium); serous lining of cavities; pericardium; pleura; peritoneum (mesothelium)
- fascilates the movement of the viscera (mesothelium), active transport by pinocytosis (mesothelium and endothelium), secretion of biologically active molecules (mesothelium)
Simple cuboidal
- covering the ovary, thyroid
- covering and secretion
Simple columnar
- lining of intestine, gallbladder
- protection, lubrication, absorption, secretion
Pseudostatified
- lining of trachea, bronchi, nasal cavitiy
- protection, secretion; cilia-mediated transport of particles trapped in mucus
Transitional: domelike to flattened,depending on the functional state of the organ (type of pseudostratified)
- bladders, ureters, renal calyces
- protection, distensibility
Stratified Squamous Keratinized
- epidermis
- protection; prevents water loss
Stratified Squamous (non-keratinized)
- mouth, esophagus, larynx, vagina, anal canal
- protection, secretion; prevents water loss
Statified Cubodial
- sweat glands, developing ovarian follicles
- protection, secretion
Stratified Columnar
- conjunctiva
- protection
General Features of Epithelial Cell Morphology
-polyhedral due to packing- columnar, cuboidal, squamous
- shape of nucleus corresponds to the shape of the cell
- most epithelial cells rest on CT
- digestive, respiratory, urinary system this underlying layer is called lamina propria
- irregularities in the contact area provide more area of contact
- small evaginations of the lamina propia are called papillae
Basal Lamina and Basement Membrane
- separates epithelial cells and CT
- composed of type IV collagen, laminin, entactin, and proteoglcans
- anchoring fibrils of type IV collagen attach the basal laminae to CT
- only visible with electron microscope, dense 20-100 nm of fine fibrils called lamina dense
- in some tissues, reticular fibers (type III collagen) are associated with the basal lamina forming a reticular lamina
- this thick layer of basal lamina and reticular lamina- basement membrane
Intercellular Adhesion and Intercellular Junctions
- the cohesion of epithelial cells is important for their function
- cadherins and interdigitations of lateral membrane contribute to this cohesion
- some epithelial (like in intestine) a junctional complex of zonula occludens (tight junction) and zonula adherens as well as desmosomes and gap junctions are found on the lateral surfaces
- zonulae occuludens play an important role in permeability
- hemidesmosomes help bind some epithelial cells to the basal lamina
Cell Specialization
- apical surface of many epithelial cells is modified to increase surface area or move particles
- microvilli are fingerlike extensions
- the microvilli and glycocalyx of small intestine are the striated border
- a slightly larger complex of microvilli of cells is on the proximal renal tubule and called the brush border
- sterocilia- long, nonmotile, extensions of apical surface in epidymis and ductus deferens
- cilia in respiratory system
- 9+2 arrangement of microtubules and are covered by cell membrane (5-10 microns long and 0.2 microns in diameter) and has basal body below plasma membrane
Rules for classifying epithelia
- all have two, some have three
- first: number of layers (simple, stratified, pseudostratifeid)
- second: shape of cells at most superficial layer (squamous, cubodial or columnar)
- third: if free surface of cell has cilia or kerain
Myoepithelial cells
-branched contractile cells found in secretory units of mammary, sweat and salivary glands
Endothelium
-simple squamous epithelium lining blood and lymphatic vessels
Mesothelium
-simple squamous epithelium lining body cavities such as the peritoneum
Epithelioid cells
-some tissues contain cells that are closely associated so that they resemble an epithelium
Epithelial Cell Renewal
- intestinal epithelial are renewed 4-6 days by mitotic activity of stem cells located in the lower portion of the intestinal glands (crypts of Lieberkuhn)
- skin cells are replaced in most sites 28 days and arise from stem cells in the basal layer of the epidermis
- in more complex glands can have longer lifespans
Responses to Stress
- epithelial cells can respond to stress by atrophy (death),
- hypertrophy (increase in size)
- hyperplasia (increase in number)
- dysplasia (change in organization)
- metaplasia (transformation to another cell type)
Ex) Metaplasia in respiratory epithelium of a smoker into stratified squamous epithelium
Skin overview
- heaviest organ (16% TBW)
- mechanical and permeability barrier
- sensory and immunologic input
- regulator of homeostatsis
- endocrine and exocrine functions
- useful site for drug delivery in lipid- soluble substances that can be absorbed through the skin
- 1/3 of tumors in adults
Skin layers
- epidermis- epidermal pegs or ridges downwards
- dermis- layer of CT that includes dermal papillae
- hypodermis- not part of skin but binds skin to underlying tissue
Thick and Thin Skin
- distinguished by thickness of the epidermal layer
- thick is found on palms and soles and lacks epidermal appendages such as hair follicles and sebaceous glands
Layers of Epidermis
1) Stratum basale- a single cell layer of stem cells
2) Statum spinosum- mitotically active prickle cell layer
3) Stratum granulosum- non-proliferating cells with stained granules
4) Stratum lucidum- clear layer seen only in thick
5) Stratum corneum- keratinized cell “ghosts”
Keratinocytes
- keratinizing epidermal cells that are predominant cell type
- keratin assembled into filaments in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum
- Keratohyaline granules are synthesized in the upper portion of the spinous layer
- they are dense, non-membrane bound masses pf filaggrin and other proteins associated with keratin
- these same cells are also producing lamellar bodies that contain a lipid mixture that is discharged to form the epidermal water barrier
Melanocytes
- NCC derived
- located in stratum basale
- numerous processes that extend between keratinocytes to which their melanin granules are transferred
- melanin is synthesized in melandocyle and packaged in melanosomes
- the melanin granules are phagocytozed by keratinoxytes as they bud off of the tips of melanocyte
- the number is same in all races
- differences in the number and distribution of melanin granules in keratinocytes
- tanning darkens preexisting melanin and accelerates new melanin synthesis
Langerhans Cells
- antigen-presenting cell derived from bone marrow (2-8 % of epidermal cells)
- can be stained with gold chloride
- have racket shaped organelle called a Birbeck Granule
- one component of SALT (skin associated lymphoid tissue) play a role in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions
Merkel Cells or epithelial tactile cells
- found in stratum basale
- more numerous in thick skin
- TEMs show small neurosecretory granules
- associated with an expanded terminal bulb of an afferent nerve fiber
- the Merkel cell and neurite complex functions as a sensitive mechanoreceptor in areas like finger tips
- Merkel cell carcinomas- rare, difficult to treat, 2x mortality
Connective Tissue
Def- the tissue that forms a continuum with the other 3 major tissues to maintain a functionally integrated body
Functions- primarily structural. Characterized on the basis of its extracellular matrix
Examples- Organ capsules, tendons and ligaments, areolar tissue filling spaces, fat, cartilage and bone
Development of CT
- develops from embryonic mesenchyme
- mesenchyme forms from embryonic mesoderm or neural crest
- these mesenchymal cells have an oval nucleus with prominent nucleoli and a small amount of cytoplasm
- they can also function as stem cells in adult tissue
Components of CT
Extracellular Matrix -ground substance -protein fibers -tissue fluid Connective Tissue Cells -Resident CT cells -Immigrant CT cells
Resident Connective Tissue Cells
- cells in CT that are derived locally and present in relatively constant numbers
- includes- Mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, reticular cells, and adipocysts.
Mesenchymal Cells
- precursors of CT cells
- some remain undifferentiated in adult CT and serve as stem cells for new fibroblast, smooth muscle or endothelial cell differentiation
- called pericytes or adventitial cells when found near blood vessels
- have large nucleus with prominent nucleoli and less cytoplasm than fibroblasts
Fibroblasts
- more numerous and ubiquitous
- they synthesize and secrete the ECM including CT fibers
- they are synthetically and mitotically active, where when resting they are a fibrocyte (shorter, more heterochromatin, acidophilic cytoplasm)
- oval, euchromatic nucleus with several prominent nucleoli and basophilic cytoplasm because lots of RER
Reticular Cells
- fibroblast-like cells that produce reticular fibers in hematopoietic, lymphoid and adipose tissue
- stellate-shaped cells with an oval euchromatic nucleus ( like an Idaho potato) with a prominent nucleolus
Adipocytes
- specialized for lipid storage
- called signet ring cells because they have a single droplet of lipid that displaces the nucleus and the cytoplasm to the edge of the cell
- lipid can be preserved via osmium tetroxide fixation
Immigrant CT Cells
- migrate in from the blood or bone marrow
- include macrophases, mast cells, plasma cells, other blood derived cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils)
Macrophages
- monocytes travel in the blood and migrate into CT to form macrophages
- fixed macrophage- histiocyte
- smaller than fibroblasts with heterochromatic, kidney,shaped nucleus and cytoplasm filled with vacuoles and granules
- seen by injecting live animals with trypan blue (colloidal dye)
Mononuclear Phagocyte System
Cell type; Location; Main Function
- Monocyte; Blood; Precursor
- Macrophage; CT, lymph, lungs; Immunological
- Kupffer Cell; Liver; Immuno
- Microglia; CNS; Immuno
- Langerhands Cell; Skin; Antigen presentation
- Osteoclast; Bone; Digest bone
- Multinuclear giant cell; CT (fusion of several mp); digests foreign bodies
Mast Cells
- largest of CT cells (20-30 microns in diameter)
- cytoplasm filled with membrane bounded basophilic granules containing heparin, histamine, chrondrotin sulfate, and ECF-A
- involved in allergic reactions
- found around blood vessels
Plasma Cells
- differentiate from antigen stimulated B cells
- primary producers of immunoglubulins
- large ovoid cells
- eccentric nucleus, abundant RER, “clock face” nucleus, clear zone near nucleus with Golgi and centriole, basophilic
- lamina propria of gut
Functions of CT cells
Cell Type; Main Product; Main Function
- Fibroblast; Fibers and Ground Substance; Structural
- Plasma Cell; Antibodies; Immunologic
- Lymphocyte; Immune cells; Immunologic
- Eosinophil; Phagocytosis; Immunologic
- Macrophage; Phagocytosis; Defense
- Mast cell; Histamine, hep.; Defense
- Adipocyte; fat, heat; storage, heat
Ground Substance
- the viscous mixture that binds cells to CT fibers
- consists of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans, and multiadhesive glycoproteins (e.g. laminin and fibronectin)
- functions are both structural and physiological. Hormones and growth factors have reservoirs in the ground substance
CT Fibers
-long slender protein polymers that make up different types of connective tissue. The predominant fiber type gives specific properties to the tissue
Collagen Fibers
- greater than 50 nm fibrils make 1-20 micron diameter fibers (biggest)
- dense regular tissue such as tendon the fibers are arranged in parallel and appear white in fresh tissue and stain an homogenous pink color with eosin
Collagen Types and Functions
Fibril Forming:
Type I- most widespread, resists tension
II- cartilage, resists pressue
III-reticular fibers, flexible meshwork
Fibril associated:
Type XII- binds type II
Form network:
Type IV- BM meshwork
Anchoring
VII- anchors BM to collagen fibers
Basement mebrane
Basal lamina plus lamina reticularis equals basement membrane
Collagen Diseases
Osteogenensis imperfect- single nucleotide change in type I gene produces aortic rupture, fractures
- Scurvy (Vit C deficiency)- impaired wound healing
- Ehlers-Danlos Type IV- Type II collagen faulty; aortic and intestinal ruptures
Reticular Fibers
- composed of fibrils less than 50 nm in diameter and make 0.5 to 2 micron diameter fibers
- composed mainly of collagen type III
- flexible network in organs such as lymph nodes, liver, red bone marrow, and spleen
- synthesized by fibroblasts, reticular cells, Schwann cells, and smooth muscle cells
Elastic Fibers
- composed mainly of protein elastin
- fibers range in diameter from 0.1 to 10 microns
- a lot of crosslinking of elastin- rubber band properties
- have no axial periodicity and are abundant in elastic ligaments and arteries
- different fibers
- Oxytalan which contaion fibrillin
- elaunin fibers as well
- theres is an elastin core surrounded by microfibrils
Oxytalan fibers resist pulling so there can be different stretchiness
Marfan’s Syndrome- mutations in fibrillin gene; aortic rupture and hypermobile joints
CT fiber staining
- Collagen- pink in H and E stain
- Reticular- Pink in H and E section, but not distinguishable from collagen fibers without silver stain
- Elastic: Pink in H and E but not distinguishable from collagen fibers without Picro-Orcein stain
Connective Tissue Classification
Connective Tissue Proper
- Loose (areolar)
- Dense
- Regular
- Irregular
Connective tissue with special properties
- Adipose tissue
- Elastic tissue
- Reticular CT
- Mucous tissue
Supporting Connective Tissue
- Cartilage
- Bone
Loose (areolar) CT
- intervening spaces
- more cellular than dense CT
- lots of resident cells
- found in lamina propria, mesentery, and papillary layer of the dermis
- positioned between tissues and allows movement
Dense irregular CT
- more fibers than cells
- fibers are interwoven
- found in organ capsules, reticular layer of the dermis and periosteum
Dense Regular CT
- more fibers than cells
- fibers arranged in parallel bundles or sheets
- found in tendons, ligaments, and cornea