MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Flashcards: 2a Eukaryotic Tissues

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This deck focuses on 2a Eukaryotic Tissues, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems.

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Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the primary function of muscle tissue?

Answer: Contraction to produce movement and force. Muscle tissue contains contractile proteins that enable voluntary and involuntary movements throughout the body.

Flashcard 2: What does 'stratified epithelium' mean?

Answer: Multiple layers of epithelial cells. Multiple layers provide enhanced protection in areas subject to mechanical stress, like the skin or esophagus.

Flashcard 3: What does 'simple epithelium' mean?

Answer: A single layer of epithelial cells. A single layer maximizes efficiency in processes like diffusion and secretion in organs such as lungs and intestines.

Flashcard 4: What is the defining feature of epithelial tissue regarding cell spacing and extracellular matrix?

Answer: Tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix. This arrangement allows epithelial tissue to form continuous sheets that serve as barriers or interfaces for exchange.

Flashcard 5: What is the primary function of connective tissue in the body?

Answer: Support, binding, and structural framework. Connective tissues provide structural integrity and connect other tissues, facilitating organ support and repair.

Flashcard 6: What is the basal surface of an epithelial cell?

Answer: The surface attached to the basement membrane. The basal surface connects to underlying connective tissue, providing anchorage and nutrient access.

Flashcard 7: What is the defining feature of connective tissue regarding cells and extracellular matrix?

Answer: Sparse cells embedded in abundant extracellular matrix. The matrix provides mechanical support and enables functions like binding tissues and storing energy.

Flashcard 8: Which epithelial tissue typically lines the trachea and uses cilia to move mucus?

Answer: Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. Appearing multilayered but single-layered, its cilia propel mucus to trap and remove debris from airways.

Flashcard 9: What is the apical surface of an epithelial cell?

Answer: The surface facing the lumen or external environment. The apical surface often has specializations like microvilli or cilia for interaction with the environment.

Flashcard 10: Which epithelial tissue is best adapted to resist abrasion (for example, skin surface)?

Answer: Stratified squamous epithelium. Multiple layers of flattened cells keratinize to form a durable barrier against friction and pathogens.

Flashcard 11: What is the key functional advantage of simple squamous epithelium?

Answer: Rapid diffusion and filtration. Its thin, flat cells facilitate efficient gas exchange in alveoli and filtration in kidney glomeruli.

Flashcard 12: What are the two criteria used to classify epithelial tissue?

Answer: Number of layers and cell shape. Classification by layers (simple or stratified) and shapes (squamous, cuboidal, columnar) correlates with specific functions.

Flashcard 13: What is the function of cilia on epithelial cells?

Answer: Move fluid or mucus across the cell surface. Cilia beat rhythmically to propel substances, aiding in clearance of airways or movement in fallopian tubes.

Flashcard 14: What does it mean that epithelium is avascular?

Answer: It has no blood vessels; it is nourished by diffusion. Avascularity ensures epithelium relies on nearby capillaries in connective tissue for oxygen and nutrients.

Flashcard 15: What is the primary function of nervous tissue?

Answer: Rapid signaling and information processing. Nervous tissue consists of neurons and glia that transmit electrical impulses for coordination and response.

Flashcard 16: What are gap junctions primarily responsible for between adjacent animal cells?

Answer: Direct intercellular communication via ion and small molecule flow. Gap junctions form channels allowing rapid sharing of signals and metabolites for coordinated activity.

Flashcard 17: What is the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?

Answer: Specialized extracellular matrix anchoring epithelium. Composed of basal lamina and reticular lamina, it separates epithelium from connective tissue and supports regeneration.

Flashcard 18: What are the four primary tissue types found in animals?

Answer: Epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous. These tissues originate from eukaryotic cells and form the structural and functional basis of animal organs.

Flashcard 19: What is the defining feature of transitional epithelium in the urinary system?

Answer: Cells change shape to allow stretching. In the bladder, this allows expansion without tearing, accommodating volume changes during urine storage.

Flashcard 20: What is the primary function of epithelial tissue in the body?

Answer: Barrier and exchange (protection, absorption, secretion). Epithelial tissues line surfaces and cavities, regulating interactions between the body and its environment.

Flashcard 21: Which epithelium type is specialized for absorption and secretion and commonly has microvilli?

Answer: Simple columnar epithelium. Found in the digestive tract, its tall cells with microvilli enhance nutrient uptake and mucus production.

Flashcard 22: What is the function of microvilli on epithelial cells?

Answer: Increase surface area for absorption. Microvilli are finger-like projections that amplify membrane area for efficient nutrient and ion transport.

Flashcard 23: What are tight junctions in epithelial tissue primarily responsible for?

Answer: Prevent paracellular leakage; maintain apical-basal polarity. Tight junctions form seals between cells, creating selective barriers and separating membrane domains.

Flashcard 24: What are desmosomes primarily responsible for in epithelial tissue?

Answer: Strong cell-cell adhesion to resist mechanical stress. Desmosomes link intermediate filaments between cells, providing tensile strength in tissues under stress.