Anatomy & Physiology: Exam Chapter 4
This flashcard set introduces the four basic tissue types in the human body—nervous, muscle, epithelial, and connective. Learn their key roles in communication, movement, protection, and support.
What are the four basic types of tissues?
Nervous - communication
Muscle - movement
Epithelial - coverings, linings, secretions
Connective - support, attachment, transport
Key Terms
What are the four basic types of tissues?
Nervous - communication
Muscle - movement
Epithelial - coverings, linings, secretions
Connective - support, attachment, transport
What are the three embryonic germ layers and which tissues do they produce?
Endoderm - linings of digestive tract/derivatives
Mesoderm - muscle, bone, blood
Ectoderm - nervous/integumentary system
What are the CHARACTERISTICS of epithelial tissue?
Mostly composed of cells
Covers body/forms glands
Has free surface (lines lumen), lateral surface (attached to other cells) and basal s...
What is the importance of the basement membrane?
Extracellular - formed by secretions of both epithelium/connective tissue “acellular glue”
Guides cell migration duri...
What are the FUNCTIONS of epithelial tissue?
Protecting underlying structures
Acts as a barrier
Permits passage of substances (kidney allows molecules to move ...
How are epithelial tissues classified?
Number of layers
Shape
Functional characteristics
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What are the four basic types of tissues? | Nervous - communication |
What are the three embryonic germ layers and which tissues do they produce? | Endoderm - linings of digestive tract/derivatives |
What are the CHARACTERISTICS of epithelial tissue? | Mostly composed of cells Covers body/forms glands Has free surface (lines lumen), lateral surface (attached to other cells) and basal surface (attached to BM) Basement membrane Cell/matrix connections Avascular Capable of regeneration |
What is the importance of the basement membrane? | Extracellular - formed by secretions of both epithelium/connective tissue “acellular glue” NOT EVERY EPITHELIUM HAS BM. |
What are the FUNCTIONS of epithelial tissue? | Protecting underlying structures |
How are epithelial tissues classified? | Number of layers |
What are the types of epithelial tissues? | Simple epithelium - single layer |
What is the purpose of simple epithelium tissue? | Covers surfaces |
Where do you find stratified epithelium? | Where protection is major function - abrasion areas. Urethra, esophagus, vagina, anus. |
What are the basic epithelial shapes and their function? | Squamous - flat/scale like: allows diffusion/filter |
What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glandular epithelial? | Exocrine - ducts which are lined with epithelium Endocrine - no ducts, not open to surface of an organ |
What are the FUNCTIONS of connective tissue? | Enclosing and separating other tissues Connecting tissues Supporting/moving parts of body Strong compounds Cushioning/insulating Transporting Protecting |
What are the 9 cells of connective tissue? | Blasts Cytes Clasts Adipose cells Mast cells White blood cells Macrophages Platelets Undifferentiated mesenchyme/stem cells |
What is the function of connective tissue BLASTS? | Creates the matrix. |
What is the function of connective tissue CYTES? | Maintains the matrix |
What is the function of connective tissue CLASTS? | Breaks down matrix for remodeling |
What are connective tissue ADIPOSE CELLS? | Fat cells - large amounts of lipid |
What are connective tissue MAST cells? | Contain chemicals related to injury response. |
What is the function of connective tissue WHITE BLOOD CELLS? | Move from blood vessels into connective tissues in response to injury or infection - flood the area. |
What are connective tissue MACROPHAGES? | Derived from a type of white blood cell, can be fixed or wandering. |
What are connective tissue PLATELETS? | Fragments of cells that contain enzymes and special proteins that help with clotting. |
What are connective tissue UM/stem cells? | Potential to form multiple cell types in response to injury. |
What are the two major types of connective tissue? | Adult and embryonic |
Describe the general extracellular matrix of connective tissues. | Made up of protein fibers, ground substances consisting of nonfibrous protein and fluid. Structure of matrix gives connective tissue types most of functional characteristics. |
What are the three types of protein fibers that help form connective tissue? | Collagen fibers - most common: strong, flexible, inelastic Reticular - fills spaces between tissues/organs. Fine collagenous, form branching networks Elastic - returns to original shape. Resembles coiled springs |
What are the types of connective tissue proper? | Loose (3 kinds) and dense (4 kinds) connective tissue |
What are the types of loose connective tissue? | Areolar - attaches skin to underlying surfaces |
What are the types of dense connective tissue? | Dense regular collagenous - tendons/ligaments |
What are the three types of cartilage? | Hyaline |
What are the functions of hyaline cartilage? | Growth of long bones |
What are the functions of fibrocartilage? | Connects structures subjected to great pressure (intervertebral disks, knee, TMJ) |
What are the functions of elastic cartilage? | Rigidity with even more flexibility - elastic fibers return to original shape. Ears, epiglottis, auditory tubes. |
What are the three types of muscle tissue? | Skeletal - striated/voluntary |
What is the function of cardiac muscle tissue? | Major force for moving blood through blood vessels |
What is the function of skeletal muscle tissue? | Moves the body |
What is the function of smooth muscle tissue? | Moves food through digestive tract Empties bladder Regulates blood vessel diameter Changes pupil size Contracts gland ducts Moves hair ETC. |
What are the components of nervous tissue? | Consists of neurons, which have: Cell body |
What are the three types of neurons? | Multi-polar: several dendrites, one axon |
What are the functions of the neuroglia? | Support cells of brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves - "glue" Nourish |
What are the three major types of tissue membranes? | Mucous |
What is the purpose of mucous membranes? | Line cavities and canals that open to outside of body. May contain smooth muscle. |
What is the purpose of serous membranes? | Line cavities that do NOT open to exterior. Lubricates membranes and makes surfaces slippery. Pericardium, pleural and peritoneal membranes. 3 COMPONENTS: mesothelium, BM, loose connective tissue |
What is the purpose of synovial membranes? | Line freely moveable joints. Produce synovial fluid - makes joint fluid slippery and facilitates smooth joint movement. |