Human Tissue Types Quiz

Epithelial tissue, commonly called epithelium, is a type of tissue that forms linings to organs and body cavities, as well as covers the surfaces of the body. It is composed of tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular space and has a free surface (apical) and a basal surface resting on connective tissue.

Epithelial tissues are highly specialized junctions to hold cells together, which is known as cell-to-cell adhesion.

Epithelial tissue shows polarity, meaning there is a distinct difference between the top (apical) surface and the bottom (basal) surface. The apical surface is the free surface exposed to the body exterior or lumen of an organ. The basal surface rests on connective tissue.

Connective tissue is a type of tissue that connects, supports, and protects other tissues in the body. It is characterized by cells embedded in a matrix of extracellular fibers and ground substance. It is found throughout the body, from the soft tissues to the skeletal system.

Connective tissue proper is a broad category of connective tissue that includes loose connective tissue, which provides support and cushioning, and dense connective tissue, which provides strength and support. Both types are composed of cells and fibers embedded in a matrix.

There are many types of connective tissues in the body, including bones, blood, and cartilage.

Muscle tissue is responsible for movement in the body. It consists of elongated cells called muscle fibers that contain contractile proteins, allowing them to shorten and generate force.

There are three types of muscle tissue: skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle.

Epithelial tissues that lack blood vessels and receive oxygen and nutrients via diffusion. They are also highly regenerative, constantly replacing old cells.

A type of epithelial tissue characterized by flat, thin cells. It allows for diffusion and filtration, making it ideal for lining structures like alveoli.

A type of epithelial tissue composed of cube-shaped cells. Its primary functions are secretion and absorption, found in areas like kidney tubules.

A type of epithelial tissue characterized by tall, column-shaped cells. It's specialized for absorption, secretion, and movement of substances, often found in the stomach lining.

A type of epithelial tissue formed by multiple layers of cells, providing protection against abrasion. Found in areas like the esophagus.

A type of epithelial tissue characterized by multiple layers of cube-shaped cells. It provides protection, often found in the parotid duct.

A type of epithelial tissue with multiple layers of column-shaped cells. It provides protection and secretion, found in areas like the male urethra.

A type of epithelial tissue that appears stratified, but all cells are attached to the basement membrane. It is specialized in secretion and the movement of substances, often found in the trachea.

This junction is a tight seal between cells, preventing leakage. It is composed of transmembrane proteins fusing together and creates a barrier. Think of a zipper.

This junction is a robust cellular attachment, like a spot weld. It connects cells via linker proteins and helps resist pulling forces. Intermediate filaments anchor to the internal plaques.

Gap junctions are communication channels between cells, allowing passage of small molecules and ions. It acts as a tunnel for cellular communication.

Hemidesmosomes are similar to desmosomes, but connect epithelial cells to the basal lamina. They attach to the basement membrane and resist pulling forces, keeping cells attached to underlying tissue.

The basal lamina is a thin layer of ECM supporting epithelial cells. It provides a foundation for epithelial regeneration and helps with cell attachment, but without it, regeneration is more difficult

The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that provide structural support, maintain cell shape, and facilitate movement. It's made up of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

Microfilaments are thin, contractile filaments composed of the protein actin. They are involved in muscle contraction and intracellular movement, basically the cell's internal muscles.

Intermediate filaments are rope-like structures made up of various proteins, providing structural support and resisting tension. They are a bit stronger than microfilaments and provide stability.

Dense irregular connective tissue has collagen fibers arranged in a random, interwoven pattern, providing strength and flexibility to resist tension from multiple directions.

Dense regular connective tissue features collagen fibers tightly packed and arranged in parallel bundles, giving it high tensile strength in one direction but poor vascularity.

Loose connective tissue serves as a packing material, supporting and cushioning organs, and contains fewer fibers compared to dense connective tissue.

Adipose tissue functions mainly as energy storage, insulation, and cushioning.

Reticular connective tissue features a network of reticular fibers, which forms a framework for organs like the spleen and lymph nodes.

Fibrous proteins that provide structural support and resist tension within the cell. They are a key component of the cytoskeleton.

Hollow tubes made of tubulin protein that help maintain cell shape, facilitate intracellular transport, and contribute to cell movement.

A type of tissue that connects, supports, and protects other tissues. It is characterized by cells embedded in an extracellular matrix.

Responsible for secreting the extracellular matrix proteins and ground substance that form the connective tissue framework.

The non-cellular component of connective tissue, made of fibers (collagen, elastin, reticular) and ground substance (proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans).

The strongest of the extracellular matrix proteins due to its high tensile strength. It provides resilience and support to connective tissue.

A protein fiber found in the extracellular matrix that provides elasticity, allowing tissues to stretch and recoil.

A type of collagen fiber that forms delicate networks, providing support for blood vessels and other delicate structures.

Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart, is striated and involuntary. It's responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs like the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. It's non-striated and involuntary. It's responsible for things like digestion and blood flow.

Skeletal muscle is attached to bones and allows movement of the body. It's striated and voluntary. It's responsible for things like walking and lifting weights.

Areolar connective tissue is a loose type of connective tissue found throughout the body. It provides support and cushioning for organs.

Dense irregular connective tissue is a strong, tough type of connective tissue found in the dermis of skin, tendons, and ligaments. It's responsible for providing strength and support to these tissues.