Histology The microanatomy of cells, tissues, and organs of the human body correlating

structure w/ fxn.

Feulgen reaction Stains DNA red.

SEM (3D) used in dentistry to view cracks and surface structures (amalgam) sample is
coated with Au.

Microtome Tool used to cut samples very thin.

Immunocytochemistry The use of fluorescently labeled antigens to stain isolated cells

(void of any extracellular matrix).

Inclusions Nonfunctioning units of cytoplasm.

Fixation First step of tissue preparation. Preserves in vivo structure.

Fluoroscein Most common fluorescent dye.

TEM Use of extremely thin samples (diamond cut). Cu mesh used in place of glass slides.
Electrons used to control laser beam.

Apical Cell side farthest from the basement membrane.

Basal Cell side closest to the basement membrane.

Formalin Fixative that cross links amino acids w/o altering 3D protein structure.

Histochemistry The use of chemical stains to distinguish body tissues based on chemical
composition.

Gap Junction Communicative junction between adjacent cells via protein tubes called
connexons.

Nucleus Organelle that contains DNA (control center of cell).

Infiltration (1) wash out fixative w/ H20 (2) dehydrate w/ alcohol (3) xylol clears alcohol (4)
embed tissue w/ paraffin

Resolution The clarity of a sample being observed. (RP: distance two objects must be
separated to be distinguished as two objects)

Desmosomes Anchoring junction that allows communication between adjacent cells

(attachment plaques and fibular network).

Cytoplasm Cellular material outside the nucleus and inside the cell membrane.

Embedding Media Material used to add rigidity to a fixed sample (paraffin,

methylmethacrylate).

Magnification Expanding an image in apparent size.

Tight Junction Impermeable junction in the apical region of the proximal contact of cells.
Plasma membrane Phospholipid bilayer membrane surrounding the cell that facilitates
communication and protection. Also contains proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins.

Paraffin Wax embedding agent used to prepare microscopy samples.

Resolving Power Distance two objects must be separated to be distinguished as two

objects).

Microvilli Fingerlike projections of the plasma membrane which increase the surface area
to enhance absoroption.

Unit membrane Phospholipid bilayer with intercalating proteins.

Chromatin The combination of DNA and protein (histones) that comprise the chromosome.

Hematoxylin Stains ribosomes/DNA blue.

Methylmethacrylate Plastic used in place of paraffin wax to add rigidity to embedded

sample.

Bright field microscope Requires staining and fixation. Simplest light microscopy.

Eosin Stains fibers (collagen) red.

Confocal microscope Converts 2D  3D. Light microscope.

Microfilament Smallest type of cytoskeleton comprised of actin subunits.

Cytoskeleton Internal framework/network of protein structures extending throughout the

cytoplasm.

Nuclear pore Allows exchange of material between nucleus and cytoplasm.

Nuclear envelope Phospholipid bilayer separating nucleus from cytoplasm.

Ergastoplasm (ER) Fluid filled tubules for carrying substances.

Osmium tetroxide Fixative used for electron microscopy in place of formalin. Stains
phospholipids black.

Polarizing microscope Light. Commonly used in dentistry. Used for repetitive structures
such as collagen and actin (periodicity).

Microtubule Largest type of cytoskeleton comprised of tubulin subunits.

Actin Protein subunit of microfilaments and thin filaments.

Tubulin Protein subunit of microtubules.

Ribosome Site of proteins synthesis found free in the cytoplasm and attached to RER
(made of protein and DNA).

Mesenchyme Common embryonic precursor of connective tissue.

Periodic Acid Schiff Rxn Staining method used to distinguish/view carbohydrate
containing structures.

Flagellum Tail-like projection involved in cellular locomotion. (Longer than cilia)

Cilia Fine projections found in eukaryotes that move materials across the cell surface.

Atomic Force Microscopy Uses a laser, views at atomic level to reveal structural
composition.

Four basic tissue types Epithelial, Connective, Muscle, Nervous

Characteristics of epithelium Avascular, tightly packed cells that always has one free
surface (apical surface) and one basement surface (basal surface) and regenerate easily
with nourishment from connective tissue.

Classification of types of epithelium Layers: Simple (single layer), Stratified (multi-

layered), Pseudostratified (all cells touch basement membrane, false impression of more
than one layer).

Shapes: Squamous (x>y), Cuboidal (x=y), Columnar (x<y)

Endothelium Type of epithelium which lines blood vessels.

Mesothelium Type of epithelium found in peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pleura (lungs)

Unicellular gland Single secretory cell (ex. Goblet cell).

Goblet cells Unicellular epithelial glands w/ simple columnar shape that secrete mucous
into the digestive lumen.

Centrioles Rod shaped bodies of microtubules that direct formation of mitotic spindle.

Peroxisomes Organelle w/ oxidase enzymes that detoxify harmful substances and

neutralize free radicals.

Lysosomes Contain enzymes that digest nonusable materials within the cell.

Mitochondria Site of ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation.

Nucleolus Subunit within Nucleus, site of ribosome production.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum Studded with ribosomes, site where building materials of
cell membrane are formed.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum Cholesterol synthesis/breakdown, fat metabolism,

detoxification.

Intermediate filament Medium sized cytoskeletal filament composed of fibrous subunits.

Golgi Modifies/packages proteins and produces secretory vesicles, cell membrane

components, and lysosomes.
Basal bodies

uranyl acetate

Exocrine glands Secretes enzymes through ducts to epithelial surface (eg. Sweat and oil
glands).

Endocrine glands Secrete hormones directly into blood vessels.

Acinar cells Exocrine glandular units that comprise an acinus.

Ducts

Classification of exocrine glands

glycocalyx

Terminal web Intracellular fibers located under microvilli near apical surface to add rigidity
to cell surface. Stain darker.

Holocrine gland

merocrine gland

Copper grid Used in place of glass slide when viewing samples under TEM.

Cryostat A microtome in a freezer used to make ultrathin samples.

Exocytosis Exporting material from cell via membranous vesicle.

Endoctytosis Engulfing extracellular material via membranous vesicle.

Phagocytosis Solid endocytosis.

Pinocytosis Liquid endocytosis.

Euchromatin Lightly packed chromatin.

Heterochromatin Tightly packed chromatin.

*Terminal bars Intensely stained tight junctions.

Amphipathic Molecule with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Apocrine gland Exocrine sweat gland.

Reticular fibers Type III collagen (smaller than type I) thin and highly branched, higher
carbohydrate content, stained preferentially by silver stain.

Elastic fibers Complements inelastic strength on extracellular matrix, composed of

microfibrils and elastin.

Fibrilin Glycoprotein subunit of elastic fibers.

Elastin Subunit of elastic fibers that is made of desmosine and isodesmosine.

Isodesmosine Lysine derivative found in elastin

Desmosine Responsible for rubber quality of elastin

Hydroxyproline Major proteinous component of collagen.

Hydroxylysine Major proteinous component of collagen.

Tropocollagen Subunit of collagen fibrils.

Collagen synthesis

1) Preprocollagen (single chain) formed on RER.

2) Proline hydroxylated and hydroxylysine is glycoxylated.

3) Procollagen (triple helix of modified preprocollagen) sent to and modified in Golgi.

4) Exocytosis of procollagen.

5) Telopeptides cleaved from procollagen to yield tropocollagen.

6) Tropocollagen self-assembles to form collagen fibrils.

Types of body tissues Epithelial, Connective, Nervous, Muscle

Loose connective tissue Greater proportion of cells than fibers. (Cellular)

Dense connective tissue Greater proportion of fibers than cells. (Fibrous)

Argyrophylic Silver loving (eg. reticular fibers).

Orcein Dye extracted from lichen (eg. Litmus).

*Resorcin-fuchsin

Basement membrane Stained by PAS (collagen), carbs, basement structural support.

Epithelial/connective contribute to basement membrane.