Histology of the Human Body Review

Which of the following describes the key characteristic of epithelial tissue?

• It is composed of widely spaced cells in a large extracellular matrix.

• It is highly vascularized and innervated.

• It is characterized by tightly packed cells with little to no extracellular matrix.

• It is specialized for contraction and movement.

Answer explanation

Epithelial tissue is characterized by tightly packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix, allowing for effective barrier and absorption functions, unlike other tissues that have more space and matrix.

Which type of connective tissue provides flexible support and reduces friction between bones, and is found in the nose, ears, and articular joints?

• Adipose tissue

• Bone

• Cartilage

• Dense fibrous connective tissue

Answer explanation

Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides flexible support and reduces friction between bones. It is found in areas such as the nose, ears, and articular joints, making it the correct answer.

Which of the following statements are true regarding skeletal muscle tissue? (Select all that apply)

• It is characterized by intercalated discs.

• It is under voluntary control.

• Its cells are multinucleated.

• It lacks striations.

Answer explanation

Skeletal muscle tissue is under voluntary control and its cells are multinucleated. It does not have intercalated discs (which are found in cardiac muscle) and it has striations, not lacking them.

Nervous tissue is primarily composed of which two types of cells?

• Erythrocytes and leukocytes

• Chondrocytes and osteocytes

• Neurons and neuroglia

• Fibroblasts and adipocytes

Answer explanation

Nervous tissue is primarily composed of neurons, which transmit signals, and neuroglia, which support and protect neurons. Therefore, the correct answer is neurons and neuroglia.

The lining of the urinary bladder and ureters is specialized to stretch. What is this type of epithelial tissue called?

• Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

• Simple squamous epithelium

• Stratified cuboidal epithelium

• Transitional epithelium

Answer explanation

The lining of the urinary bladder and ureters is made of transitional epithelium, which allows it to stretch and accommodate varying volumes of urine. This unique property distinguishes it from other types of epithelial tissue.

Which of the following is an example of dense regular connective tissue?

• Blood

• Tendons and ligaments

• Adipose tissue

• The dermis of the skin

Answer explanation

Tendons and ligaments are examples of dense regular connective tissue, characterized by closely packed collagen fibers that provide strength and resistance to pulling forces. Other options do not fit this classification.

Match each muscle type with its correct characteristic.

• Skeletal muscle tissue is:

• under conscious control

• Cardiac muscle tissue and skeletal muscle tissue are both:

• striated muscles

• Cardiac muscle tissue and smooth muscle tissue are both:

• involuntary muscles

• Skeletal muscles are:

• attached to bones

Answer explanation

Cardiac and smooth muscle tissues are both involuntary muscles, meaning they function without conscious control. In contrast, striated muscles (like skeletal muscle) are voluntary and attached to bones.

Which of the following is a function of nervous tissue?

• Providing structural support and protection to organs.

• Generating heat and causing movement.

• Transmitting electrical signals and coordinating body activities.

• Storing energy in the form of lipids.

Answer explanation

Nervous tissue is primarily responsible for transmitting electrical signals and coordinating body activities, making it essential for communication within the body. The other options describe functions of different tissue types.

Which of the following tissues are characterized by a large amount of extracellular matrix?

• Epithelial tissue

• Connective tissue

• Muscle tissue

• Nervous tissue

Answer explanation

Connective tissue is characterized by a large amount of extracellular matrix, which provides structural support and facilitates communication between cells. In contrast, epithelial, muscle, and nervous tissues have less extracellular matrix.

Which types of muscle tissue are striated?

• Smooth muscle only

• Skeletal muscle only

• Cardiac muscle only

• Skeletal and smooth muscle

Answer explanation

Skeletal and cardiac muscles are striated due to their organized structure of actin and myosin filaments. Smooth muscle, however, lacks striations, making skeletal and cardiac the correct types of striated muscle tissue.