Describe the process of keratinization.
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The process by which epithelial cells become filled with keratin, forming a protective outer layer in the skin.
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Describe the process of keratinization.
The process by which epithelial cells become filled with keratin, forming a protective outer layer in the skin.
Describe the significance of elastic fibers in connective tissue.
Provide elasticity and resilience, allowing tissues to return to their original shape after stretching.
What is the function of simple squamous epithelium?
Facilitates diffusion and filtration; found in alveoli and blood vessels.
Describe the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands.
Exocrine glands secrete substances through ducts to external surfaces; endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Explain tissue repair.
The process by which damaged tissue is replaced with new cells; involves inflammation, regeneration, and fibrosis.
What is the cutaneous membrane?
The skin, providing a protective barrier and regulating temperature.
Name the types of connective tissue.
Loose connective, dense connective, adipose, cartilage, bone, and blood.
What is the role of neurotransmitters in nervous tissue?
Chemical messengers released by neurons to transmit signals to other neurons or target cells.
Describe the characteristics of bone tissue.
Rigid connective tissue that provides structure, support, and protection; stores minerals and houses blood cells.
Explain the term 'tissue engineering.'
The use of cells, engineering, and materials methods to improve or replace biological tissues.
What is the function of macrophages in connective tissue?
Immune cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris in tissues.
Explain the term 'apical surface' in epithelial tissue.
The free surface of epithelial cells that faces the lumen or external environment.
Describe dense connective tissue.
Contains a high concentration of collagen fibers, providing strength; found in tendons and ligaments.
Explain the structure and function of cartilage.
A flexible connective tissue that provides support and cushioning; found in joints and respiratory tract.
Describe mucous membranes.
Line body cavities that open to the exterior, producing mucus for protection and lubrication.
Describe the process of inflammation in tissue repair.
A protective response to injury involving increased blood flow, immune response, and swelling to facilitate healing.
Describe skeletal muscle tissue.
Voluntary striated muscle attached to bones, responsible for movement.
What is basal lamina?
A thin layer of extracellular matrix that anchors epithelial tissue to the underlying connective tissue.
Describe the structure and function of nervous tissue.
Composed of neurons and neuroglia; responsible for transmitting electrical signals and supporting nerve functions.
What is the role of neuroglia?
Support, nourish, and protect neurons; assist in maintaining homeostasis.
Describe connective tissue.
A diverse group of tissues that support, bind, and protect other tissues and organs.
What are the two types of muscle tissue?
Striated (skeletal and cardiac) and smooth muscle tissue.
What is the role of cardiac muscle tissue?
Involuntary striated muscle that makes up the heart, responsible for pumping blood.
Explain smooth muscle tissue.
Involuntary non-striated muscle found in walls of hollow organs, responsible for involuntary movements.
Describe the structure and function of cuboidal epithelium.
Cube-shaped cells that specialize in secretion and absorption; found in glands and kidney tubules.
What is the role of columnar epithelium?
Involved in absorption and secretion; often ciliated in respiratory tract.
What are the four basic types of tissues in the human body?
Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.
Describe the general functions of epithelial tissue.
Protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.
What are the classifications of epithelial tissue based on cell layers?
Simple (single layer) and stratified (multiple layers).
What are neurons?
The primary signaling cells of the nervous system that transmit information through electrical impulses.
What are chondrocytes?
Cells found in cartilage that maintain the cartilage matrix.
What are the characteristics of epithelial tissue?
Avascular, tightly packed cells, polarity, and a basement membrane.
Describe the differences between loose and dense connective tissue.
Loose connective tissue has a more flexible structure with fewer fibers, while dense connective tissue has closely packed fibers for strength.
What is blood classified as?
A connective tissue that transports nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body.
What is adipose tissue?
A type of connective tissue that stores fat for energy and insulation.
What are the three types of cartilage?
Hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.
What are serous membranes?
Line closed body cavities and secrete serous fluid to reduce friction between organs.
What is the role of fibroblasts in connective tissue?
Cells that produce collagen and extracellular matrix components for tissue repair and maintenance.
What is transitional epithelium?
Specialized for stretching; found in the urinary bladder.
What is the role of stem cells in tissue repair?
Stem cells differentiate into specific cell types needed for tissue regeneration.
What are the main components of connective tissue?
Cells, extracellular matrix, and fibers (collagen, elastin).
What is the function of loose connective tissue?
Provides support, elasticity, and houses blood vessels and nerves.
Name the types of epithelial tissue based on cell shape.
Squamous, cuboidal, and columnar.
What is the significance of extracellular matrix in connective tissues?
Provides structural support and influences cell behavior, differentiation, and communication.
What is the function of epithelial membranes?
Line body cavities and cover organs; include mucous, serous, and cutaneous membranes.
What is fibrosis?
The formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in response to injury, leading to scarring.
What is the function of ciliated epithelial tissue?
Helps move substances (like mucus) across the surface of the tissue.
Describe the role of osteocytes in bone tissue.
Mature bone cells that maintain bone matrix and communicate with other bone cells.