4.7: Key Terms
- Page ID
- 108202
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| Words (or words that have the same definition) | The definition is case sensitive | (Optional) Image to display with the definition [Not displayed in Glossary, only in pop-up on pages] | (Optional) Caption for Image | (Optional) External or Internal Link | (Optional) Source for Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Eg. "Genetic, Hereditary, DNA ...") | (Eg. "Relating to genes or heredity") |  | The infamous double helix | https://bio.libretexts.org/ | CC-BY-SA; Delmar Larsen |
| Word(s) | Definition | Image | Caption | Link | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adipocytes | lipid storage cells | ||||
| adipose tissue | specialized areolar tissue rich in stored fat | ||||
| anchoring junction | mechanically attaches adjacent cells to each other or to the basement membrane | ||||
| apical | that part of a cell or tissue which, in general, faces an open space | ||||
| apocrine secretion | release of a substance along with the apical portion of the cell | ||||
| apoptosis | programmed cell death | ||||
| areolar tissue | (also, loose connective tissue) a type of connective tissue proper that shows little specialization with cells dispersed in the matrix | ||||
| astrocyte | star-shaped cell in the central nervous system that regulates ions and uptake and/or breakdown of some neurotransmitters and contributes to the formation of the blood-brain barrier | ||||
| atrophy | loss of mass and function | ||||
| basal lamina | thin extracellular layer that lies underneath epithelial cells and separates them from other tissues | ||||
| basement membrane | in epithelial tissue, a thin layer of fibrous material that anchors the epithelial tissue to the underlying connective tissue; made up of the basal lamina and reticular lamina | ||||
| cardiac muscle | heart muscle, under involuntary control, composed of striated cells that attach to form fibers, each cell contains a single nucleus, contracts autonomously | ||||
| cell junction | point of cell-to-cell contact that connects one cell to another in a tissue | ||||
| chondrocytes | cells of the cartilage | ||||
| clotting | also called coagulation; complex process by which blood components form a plug to stop bleeding | ||||
| collagen fiber | flexible fibrous proteins that give connective tissue tensile strength | ||||
| connective tissue | type of tissue that serves to hold in place, connect, and integrate the body’s organs and systems | ||||
| connective tissue membrane | connective tissue that encapsulates organs and lines movable joints | ||||
| connective tissue proper | connective tissue containing a viscous matrix, fibers, and cells. | ||||
| cutaneous membrane | skin; epithelial tissue made up of a stratified squamous epithelial cells that cover the outside of the body | ||||
| dense connective tissue | connective tissue proper that contains many fibers that provide both elasticity and protection | ||||
| ectoderm | outermost embryonic germ layer from which the epidermis and the nervous tissue derive | ||||
| elastic cartilage | type of cartilage, with elastin as the major protein, characterized by rigid support as well as elasticity | ||||
| elastic fiber | fibrous protein within connective tissue that contains a high percentage of the protein elastin that allows the fibers to stretch and return to original size | ||||
| endocrine gland | groups of cells that release chemical signals into the intercellular fluid to be picked up and transported to their target organs by blood | ||||
| endoderm | innermost embryonic germ layer from which most of the digestive system and lower respiratory system derive | ||||
| endothelium | tissue that lines vessels of the lymphatic and cardiovascular system, made up of a simple squamous epithelium | ||||
| epithelial membrane | epithelium attached to a layer of connective tissue | ||||
| epithelial tissue | type of tissue that serves primarily as a covering or lining of body parts, protecting the body; it also functions in absorption, transport, and secretion | ||||
| exocrine gland | group of epithelial cells that secrete substances through ducts that open to the skin or to internal body surfaces that lead to the exterior of the body | ||||
| fibroblast | most abundant cell type in connective tissue, secretes protein fibers and matrix into the extracellular space | ||||
| fibrocartilage | tough form of cartilage, made of thick bundles of collagen fibers embedded in chondroitin sulfate ground substance | ||||
| fibrocyte | less active form of fibroblast | ||||
| fluid connective tissue | specialized cells that circulate in a watery fluid containing salts, nutrients, and dissolved proteins | ||||
| gap junction | allows cytoplasmic communications to occur between cells | ||||
| goblet cell | unicellular gland found in columnar epithelium that secretes mucous | ||||
| ground substance | fluid or semi-fluid portion of the matrix | ||||
| histamine | chemical compound released by mast cells in response to injury that causes vasodilation and endothelium permeability | ||||
| histology | microscopic study of tissue architecture, organization, and function | ||||
| holocrine secretion | release of a substance caused by the rupture of a gland cell, which becomes part of the secretion | ||||
| hyaline cartilage | most common type of cartilage, smooth and made of short collagen fibers embedded in a chondroitin sulfate ground substance | ||||
| inflammation | response of tissue to injury | ||||
| lacunae | (singular = lacuna) small spaces in bone or cartilage tissue that cells occupy | ||||
| lamina propria | areolar connective tissue underlying a mucous membrane | ||||
| loose connective tissue | (also, areolar tissue) type of connective tissue proper that shows little specialization with cells dispersed in the matrix | ||||
| matrix | extracellular material which is produced by the cells embedded in it, containing ground substance and fibers | ||||
| merocrine secretion | release of a substance from a gland via exocytosis | ||||
| mesenchymal cell | adult stem cell from which most connective tissue cells are derived | ||||
| mesenchyme | embryonic tissue from which connective tissue cells derive | ||||
| mesoderm | middle embryonic germ layer from which connective tissue, muscle tissue, and some epithelial tissue derive | ||||
| mesothelium | simple squamous epithelial tissue which covers the major body cavities and is the epithelial portion of serous membranes | ||||
| mucous connective tissue | specialized loose connective tissue present in the umbilical cord | ||||
| mucous gland | group of cells that secrete mucous, a thick, slippery substance that keeps tissues moist and acts as a lubricant | ||||
| mucous membrane | tissue membrane that is covered by protective mucous and lines tissue exposed to the outside environment | ||||
| muscle tissue | type of tissue that is capable of contracting and generating tension in response to stimulation; produces movement. | ||||
| myelin | layer of lipid inside some neuroglial cells that wraps around the axons of some neurons | ||||
| myocyte | muscle cells | ||||
| necrosis | accidental death of cells and tissues | ||||
| nervous tissue | type of tissue that is capable of sending and receiving impulses through electrochemical signals. | ||||
| neuroglia | supportive neural cells | ||||
| neuron | excitable neural cell that transfer nerve impulses | ||||
| oligodendrocyte | neuroglial cell that produces myelin in the brain | ||||
| parenchyma | functional cells of a gland or organ, in contrast with the supportive or connective tissue of a gland or organ | ||||
| primary union | condition of a wound where the wound edges are close enough to be brought together and fastened if necessary, allowing quicker and more thorough healing | ||||
| pseudostratified columnar epithelium | tissue that consists of a single layer of irregularly shaped and sized cells that give the appearance of multiple layers; found in ducts of certain glands and the upper respiratory tract | ||||
| reticular fiber | fine fibrous protein, made of collagen subunits, which cross-link to form supporting “nets” within connective tissue | ||||
| reticular lamina | matrix containing collagen and elastin secreted by connective tissue; a component of the basement membrane | ||||
| reticular tissue | type of loose connective tissue that provides a supportive framework to soft organs, such as lymphatic tissue, spleen, and the liver | ||||
| Schwann cell | neuroglial cell that produces myelin in the peripheral nervous system | ||||
| secondary union | wound healing facilitated by wound contraction | ||||
| serous gland | group of cells within the serous membrane that secrete a lubricating substance onto the surface | ||||
| serous membrane | type of tissue membrane that lines body cavities and lubricates them with serous fluid | ||||
| simple columnar epithelium | tissue that consists of a single layer of column-like cells; promotes secretion and absorption in tissues and organs | ||||
| simple cuboidal epithelium | tissue that consists of a single layer of cube-shaped cells; promotes secretion and absorption in ducts and tubules | ||||
| simple squamous epithelium | tissue that consists of a single layer of flat scale-like cells; promotes diffusion and filtration across surface | ||||
| skeletal muscle | usually attached to bone, under voluntary control, each cell is a fiber that is multinucleated and striated | ||||
| smooth muscle | under involuntary control, moves internal organs, cells contain a single nucleus, are spindle-shaped, and do not appear striated; each cell is a fiber | ||||
| stratified columnar epithelium | tissue that consists of two or more layers of column-like cells, contains glands and is found in some ducts | ||||
| stratified cuboidal epithelium | tissue that consists of two or more layers of cube-shaped cells, found in some ducts | ||||
| stratified squamous epithelium | tissue that consists of multiple layers of cells with the most apical being flat scale-like cells; protects surfaces from abrasion | ||||
| striation | alignment of parallel actin and myosin filaments which form a banded pattern | ||||
| supportive connective tissue | type of connective tissue that provides strength to the body and protects soft tissue | ||||
| synovial membrane | connective tissue membrane that lines the cavities of freely movable joints, producing synovial fluid for lubrication | ||||
| tight junction | forms an impermeable barrier between cells | ||||
| tissue | group of cells that are similar in form and perform related functions | ||||
| tissue membrane | thin layer or sheet of cells that covers the outside of the body, organs, and internal cavities | ||||
| totipotent | embryonic cells that have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell and organ in the body | ||||
| transitional epithelium | form of stratified epithelium found in the urinary tract, characterized by an apical layer of cells that change shape in response to the presence of urine | ||||
| vasodilation | widening of blood vessels | ||||
| wound contraction | process whereby the borders of a wound are physically drawn together |