Human Biology

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tissue

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a group of cells that works together to perform a common function.

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epithelial tissue

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one of the four primary tissue types. the tissue that covers body surfaces, lines body cavities and organs, and forms glands.

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connective tissue

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tissue that binds together and supports other tissues of the body. all of these contain cells in and extracellular mtrix, which consists of protein fibers and a noncellular ground substance.

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muscle tissue

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tissue compoised of muscle cless that contract when stimulated passively lengthen to the resting state. There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac.

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nervous tissue

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tissue consisting of two types of cells, neurons and neuroglia, that make up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

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squamous epithelium

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a type of epithelial tissue composed of flattened cells. it forms linings and coverings.

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cuboidal epithelium

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a type of epithelial tissue composed fo cube-shaped cells that are specialized for secretion and absorption.

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columnar epithelium

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a type of epithelial tissue composed of tall, rectangular cells that are specialized for secretion and absorption.

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gland

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epithelial tissue that secretes a product.

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exocrine gland

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glands that secrete their product through ducts onto body surfaces, into the spaces within organs, or into a body cavity. examples include the salivary glands of the mouth and the oil an dsweat glands of the skin.

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basement membrane

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a noncellular layer beneath epithelial tissue that binds the epithelial cells to underlying connective tissue. it helps epithelial tissue resist stretching and forms a boundary.

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collagen fibers

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strong insoluble protein fibers common in many types of connective tissues.

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endocrine gland

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a gland that lacks ducts and releases its products (hormones) into the fluid just outside the cells.

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elastic fibers

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coiled proteins found in connective tissues that allow the connective tissue to be stretched and recoil. they are common in tissues that require elasticity.

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reticular fibers

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interconnected strands of collagen in certain connective tissues that branch extensively. networks of these support soft tissues, including the liver and spleen.

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fibroblast

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cells in connective tissue that secrete and protein fibers that are found int eh matrix of the connective tissue. they also secrete collagen fibersf for the repair of body tissues.

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loose connective tissue

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connective tissue, such as areolar and adipose tissue, that contains many cells in which the fibers of the matrix are fewer in number and more loosely woven than those found in dense connective tissue.

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adipose tissue

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a type of loose connective tissue that contains cells specialized for storing fat.

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dense connective tissue

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connective tissue that contains many tightly woven fibers and is found in legaments, tendons, and the dermis.

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cartilage

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a type of specialized connectivet tissue with a firm gelatinous maltrix containing protein fibers for strength. the cells of this (chodrocytes) lie in small places (lacunae) within the matrix.

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hyaline cartilage

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a type of cartilage with a gel-like matrix that prvides flexibility and support. it is found at the end of long bones as well as parts of the nose, ribs, larynx, and trachea.

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elastic cartilage

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the most flexible type of cartilage because of an abundance of wavy elastic fibers in its matrix.

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fibrocartilage

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cartilage with a matrix containing many collagen fibers. it is found around the edges of joints and the intervertebral disks.

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bone

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strong connective tissue with specialized cells in a hard matrix composed of collagen fibers and mineral salts.

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blood

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connective tissue that consists of cells and platelets suspended in plasma, a liquid matrix.

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skeletal muscle tissue

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a contractile tissue. one of three types of muscle in the body. its cells are cylindrical, have many nuclei, and have stripes (striations). this provides for conscious, voluntary control over contraction. it attaches to bones and forms the muscles of the body. it is also called striated muscle.

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cardiac muscle tissue

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a contractile tissue that make sup the bulk of the walls of the heart. the cells of this are cylindrical and have branching interconnections between cells. they are striped (striated) and have a single nucleus. contraction of this is involuntary.

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smooth muscle tissue

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a contractile tissue characterized by the lack of visible striations and by unconscious control over its contraction. it is found int eh walls of blood vessels and airways and in organs such as the stomach, intestines, and bladder.

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neurons

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nerve cells involved in intercellular communication. it consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. they are excitable cells in teh nervous system specialized to generate and transmit electrochemical signals called action potentials or nerve impulses.

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neuroglia

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cells of the nervous system that support, insulate, and protect nerve cells; also called glial cells.

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organ

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a structure composed of two or more different tissues with a specific cell.

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organ system

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a group of organs with a common function.

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mucous membrane

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sheets of epithelial tissue that line many passsageways int eh body that open to the exterior. they are specialized to secrete and absorb.

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serous membrane

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sheets of epithelial tissue that line the thoracic and abdominal cavities and the organs within them. they secrete a fluid that lubricates the organs within these cavities.

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synovial membrane

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a fluid-filled space surrounding a synovial cavity that acts as both a shock absorber and a lubricant between teh bones.

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cutaneous membrane

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the skin. it is thick, relatively waterproof, and dry.

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integumentary system

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the skin.

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epidermis

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the outermost layer of the skin, composed of epithelial cells.

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dermis

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the layer of the skin that lies just below the epidermis and is composed of connective tissue. it contains blood vessels, oil glands, sensory structures, and nerve endings. it does not wear away.

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hypodermis

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the layer of loose connective tissue below the epidermis and dermis that anchors the skin to underlying tissues and organs.

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melanin

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a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that influences daily rhythms and sleep.

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melanocyte

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spider-shaped cells located at the base of the epidermis that manufacture and store melanin, a pigment involved in skin color and absorption and ultraviolet radiation.

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oil gland

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glands associated with the hair follicles that produce sebum. they are also called sebaceous glands.

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sweat gland

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one type is a functional throughout life and releases sweat onto the surface of the skin. aslo in teh skin, another type releases its secretions into hair follicles and becomes functional at puberty.

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homeostasis

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the ability of living things to maintain a relatively constant internal environment in all levels of body organization.

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negative feedback mechanism

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the homeostatic mechanism in which the outcome of a process feeds back on the system, shutting down the process.