AP Biology : Types of Cells and Tissues

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #571 : Cellular Biology

What is the ground substance of the connective tissue?

Possible Answers:

An extracellular substance suspending fibers

Water transported by xylem tissue in plants

An extracellular matrix suspending cells

An extracellular substance that supports fibers and cells

Correct answer:

An extracellular matrix suspending cells

Explanation:

In connective tissues, ground substance is an extracellular matrix that suspends and supports cells. Ground substance does not contain fibers and is composed mostly of water and glycoproteins.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Connective Tissue

Which of the following are fibers found in the connective tissue?

Possible Answers:

All of these

Collagenous fibers

Elastic fibers

Reticular fibers

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

The connective tissue includes fibers that act as a matrix and support structure for cells suspended in ground substance. These fibers are categorized as collagenous fibers, elastic fibers, and reticular fibers. Collagenous fibers are the most abundant in the extracellular matrix, comprise tendons and ligaments, where play structural roles. Elastic fibers are present in areas of the body that undergo cycles of stretching and recoiling, such as arteries. Reticular fibers form meshlike networks that provide the base for other support structures. 

Example Question #131 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

What is the function of collagenous fibers?

Possible Answers:

Allow for the recoil of organs

Act as scaffolding for cells

Bind bones together and provide structural support

Selective absorption of extracellular fluid

Correct answer:

Bind bones together and provide structural support

Explanation:

Collagenous fibers are composed primarily of collagen. Collagenous fibers bind bones together and connect different tissues to one another. Examples of collagenous fibers include tendons, cartilage, and blood vessels.

Example Question #132 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following is not an example of a collagenous fiber in connective tissue?

Possible Answers:

Tendons

Stratified epithelium

Blood vessels

Ligaments

Correct answer:

Stratified epithelium

Explanation:

Collagenous fibers connect tissue types and bind elements of the musculoskeletal system to one another. Types of collagenous fibers in connective tissue include blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. Stratified epithelium is comprised of layers of epithelial cells, which function as a covering/lining to a body structure that is subject to lots of friction.

Example Question #133 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

What is the main function of elastic fibers in connective tissue?

Possible Answers:

Bind bones together

Allow for tissue and organs to recoil

Aid in the secretion of substances

Act as scaffolding for cells 

Correct answer:

Allow for tissue and organs to recoil

Explanation:

Elastic fibers are a type of fiber within the connective tissue category. These types of fibers are made up of the protein elastin and they allow tissues and organs to recoil and oppose tearing forces. 

Example Question #134 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

In the connective tissue, what is the function of reticular fibers?

Possible Answers:

Allow for the transmission of chemical signals

Provide a scaffolding for cells

Contract to create movement

To bind bones together

Correct answer:

Provide a scaffolding for cells

Explanation:

Reticular fibers are composed of collagen and form thin mesh networks that supports cells, tissues, and organs. The reticular meshwork also acts as a scaffold for other structures to anchor into.

Example Question #135 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following is not a function of connective tissue in the human body?

Possible Answers:

Transmission of electrical and chemical signals 

Resistance of stretching and tearing forces

Acts as a starting point for immune responses

Allows for the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen

Correct answer:

Transmission of electrical and chemical signals 

Explanation:

In the human body, connective tissue has a variety of functions that allows proper function and survival. These functions include elasticity to resist tearing and stretching forces, loose tissue and ground substance that allow for the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen, and immune cells that can activate to protect the body.

Example Question #136 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

In humans, are all types of connective tissue fibrous?

Possible Answers:

No, not all connective tissue if fibrous because in some areas of the body the ground substance degrades fibers

Yes, all connective tissue contains at least one type of fiber (collagenous, reticular or elastic)

Yes, all connective tissue contains all three types of fibers (collagenous, reticular, and elastic)

No, not all connective tissue is fibrous, including blood and adipose tissue

Correct answer:

No, not all connective tissue is fibrous, including blood and adipose tissue

Explanation:

In the human body, not all types of connective tissue contain fibers. Examples of non-fibrous connective tissues are blood, adipose tissue, and bone which are made of plasma and cells, fat, and mineralized extracellular matrix, respectively.

Example Question #137 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

What is the purpose of connective tissue in the human body?

Possible Answers:

Transmits information through electrical signals

Supports and connects different organs and tissues in the body

Produces motion

Lines the cavities and surfaces of organs in the body

Correct answer:

Supports and connects different organs and tissues in the body

Explanation:

Connective tissue is a category of tissue in the human body that supports and connects different organs and tissues in the body. Other tissue categories in the human body include epithelial, which lines the cavities and surfaces of the organs in the body, muscle, which contracts to produce motion, and nervous tissue, which transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.

Example Question #138 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

What describes a major difference between cartilage and bone?

Possible Answers:

Bone provides structure to the human body

Cartilage does not have blood vessels or nerves, while bone does

Cartilage is composed of collagen and salts

Bone is part of the skeletal system, while cartilage is not

Cartilage secretes a matrix

Correct answer:

Cartilage does not have blood vessels or nerves, while bone does

Explanation:

Cartilage also performs a structural function, but it is more flexible than bone. Furthermore, it doesn't have nerves or blood vessels. This explains why a broken bone heals quite well (sometimes the broken bone becomes stronger than it was before) while cartilage does not heal/regenerate nearly as fast. They both secrete matrices, and are made up of collagen and calcium salts. 

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