Term | Definition |
Regeneration | The replacement of destroyed tissue by the same kind of cells |
Fibrosis | Repair by dense (fibrous) connective tissue, that is, by the formation of scar tissue |
Neoplasm | An abnormal growth of cells; sometimes cancerous |
Hyperplasia | The enlargement of certain body tissues (or organs) because there is some local irritant or condition that stimulates the cells |
Atrophy | A reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or cell resulting from disease or lack of use |
Tissues | Groups of cells that are similar in structure and function |
Epithelium | One of the primary tissues; covers the surface of the body and lines the body cavities, ducts, and vessels |
Simple Epithelium | Single layer of cells |
Stratified Epithelium | More than one layer of cells |
Apical Surface | Surface of an epithelial cell that faces the body surface or of an internal organ |
Basement Membrane | A thin layer of extracellular material to which epithelial cells are attached in mucosal surfaces |
Goblet Cells | Individual cells (simple glands) that produce muus |
Serous Membranes | Membranre that lines a cavity without an opening to the outside of the body (except for joint cavities); serosa |
Gland | An organ specialized to secrete or excrete substances for further use in the body or for elimination |
Secretion | An active process in which the glandular cells obtain needed materials from the blood and use them to make their secretion which they then discharge |
Endocrine Gland | Ductless glands that empty their hormonal products directly into the blood |
Exocrine Gland | Glands that have ducts through which their secretions are carried to a body surface (skin or mucosa) |
Connective Tissue | A primary tissue; form and function vary extensively. functions include support, storage, and protection |
Extracellular Matrix | Nonliving material in connective tissue consisting of ground substance and fibers that separate the living cells |
Edema | An abnormal accumulation of fluid in body parts or tissues; causes swelling |
Stroma | Internal framework which can support many free blood cells (large lymphocytes) in lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes, the spleen, and one marrow |
Intercalated Disks | Contain gap junctions that allow ions to pass freely from cell to cell, resulting in rapid conduction of the exciting electrical impulse across the heart |
Neurons | Cells of the nervous system specialized to transmit messages throughout the body |
Supporting Cells | Insulate, support, and protect the delicate neurons, make up the structures of the nervous system---the brain, spinal cord, and nerves |