Review Glossary


A band

a region containing the full length of the myosin filaments and also parts of actin filaments; located in the sarcomere of skeletal muscle; see also H band


absorptive cell

Cell that is efficient in absorbing substances from the lumen via apical cytoplasmic processes (microvilli or stereocilia)


acidophil

cell of the adenohypophysis which stains pink red; i.e. somatotropes and mammatropes


acinar cell

a cell of an acinus unit


acinus

cells arranged into a circular secretory unit (i.e. pancreatic acinus and mucous acinus)


acrosome

dense structure of the anterior portion of a sperm cell; contains enzymes that allow it to penetrate the egg during fertilization


actin

thin filament protein which allows contractility and confers support in cells


adenocarcinoma

malignant cancer with cells arranged in a gland-like pattern; i.e. prostate and breast adenocarcinoma


adenohypophysis

anterior lobe of the pituitary; composed of glandular secretory tissue


adipocyte

large cell (up to 200 um in diameter) with only a thin rim of cytoplasm due to the presence of a large flat droplet; TEM shows an external lamina; stores large lipid vacuoles


adipose tissue

a grouping of adipocytes

adrenocorticolipotrope

cell of the adenohypophysis which produces ACTH and LPH


adventitia

connective tissue with high content of adipose, nerves, and blood vessels


afferent arteriole

vessel that branches from an interlobular artery and supplies the glomerulus


afferent lymphatic vessel

a vessel involved in bringing lymph to the lymph node


alpha-actinin

protein that anchors actin to the Z-disk


alveolar duct

long airway lined only with alveolar cells and some smooth muscle


alveolar macrophage

macrophage located in the alveolar space and its surrounding connective tissue; serves to remove inhaled particles; also referred to as "dust cell"


alveolar sac

alveoli cluster surrounding an air space; found at the end of alveolar ducts


alveolar wall

the site where alveoli exchange gas with the blood; composed of:


alveolus

1) the basic unit of gas exchange; small air-filled chamber lined by squamous cells
2) mammary gland secretory structure; lined by cuboidal cells and myoepithelial cells


amnion

innermost membrane surrounding the embryo


ampulla of uterine tube

see oviduct


anal apocrine gland

gland of the anus associated with hair follicles


anal gland

branched, straight tubular mucus gland extending into the submucosa


anal transitional zone (ATZ)

area where the simple columnar epithelium of the rectal mucosa meets an area of stratified squamous epithelium


anchoring villi

see basal plate


anterior chamber of eye

space between the cornea and the iris; filled with aqueous humor


anterior lobe

see adenohypophysis


anthracoid pigment

black debris found in the alveolar macrophages of those individuals chronically exposed to smoke


antigen-presenting cell

a cell that processes and presents antigens to lymphocytes; this category includes:


antrum

cavity inside the secondary and Graafian follicles


apical surface

that side of the cell facing the lumen; typically the site of secretion and reception of substances (i.e. hormones, antibodies, and nutrients)


apocrine sweat gland

large sweat gland associated with hair follicles in the eyelid, axilla, areola, anal region, and genitalia


apoptosis

controlled cellular death in which the organelles are packaged in membranes for eventual phagocytosis; apparent as a shrinkage in cell size and a pyknotic nucleus


appositional growth

bone growth due to addition of new matrix by osteoblasts in bone or chondroblasts in cartilage


APUD cell

endocrine cell of the digestive tract; activated by nervous stimulation


aqueous humor

watery fluid of the anterior chamber and posterior chamber of eye


arcuate artery

branch of the interlobar artery; traces a course along the base of the renal pyramid


arcuate vein

vessel carrying blood away from the kidney medulla; traces a course along the pyramid base


arrector pili muscle

small muscle attached to the base of a hair follicle


arteriole

vessel with 1-2 layers of smooth muscle; leads to a capillary


artery

vessel which takes oxygen-rich blood from the heart to tissues


ascites

fluid found in the peritoneal cavity; consists of mesothelial cells, red blood cells, leukocytes and may contain cancer cells


atherosclerotic plaque

necrotic mass of lipid and cells (macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts) resulting from endothelial damage


atretic follicle

disintegrating follicle within the ovary; has not undergone ovulation


atrophy

a wasting away of muscle due to denervation or disuse


Auerbach's plexus

ganglion cell group between the two muscle layers of the muscularis externa in the digestive tract; controls motility of the digestive tract


axon

extension of neurons which transmits signals to other neurons or effector cells


axon hillock

the point from which the axon emerges from the neuron body


azurophilic granule

the lysosome of leukocytes


BALT

Bronchus Associated Lymphatic Tissue; lymphatic aggregations of the respiratory system


band cell (neutrophilic)

precursor to the neutrophil with an "S" shaped nucleus


band form

juvenile/immature forms of granulocytes with "U" or "S" shaped nuclei; immediate precursors to the mature forms


basal body

structure derived from the centriole which organizes the microtubules of cilia


basal cell

a cell type that comprises the bottom layer of epithelia; serves as precursor/replacement for the cells above it


basal lamina

noncellular, protein-polysaccharide layer which anchors an epithelium to the connective tissue beneath; also known as 'lamina densa' known in light microscopy as basement membrane


basal plate

maternal side of the placenta; many blood vessels traverse here to supply the intervillous space; contains numerous anchoring villi which attach it to the chorionic plate


basal surface

that side of the cell that is anchored to the basal lamina or to other cells; faces away from the lumen


basement membrane

Light microscopic term for basal lamina


basilar membrane

membrane within the cochlea; its vibrations allow for frequency determination, with high frequency sounds discriminated at the base, and low frequency sounds at the apex


basophil

1) least in number of all leukocytes; possesses vasoactive and immunoreactive substances similar to those of mast cells which are released after IgE binding; nucleus often obscured by coarse cytoplasmic blue (H&E) granules in cytoplasm.

2) cell of the adenohypophysis which stains blue-purple; includes: adrenocorticolipotropes, gonadotropes, and thyrotropes


basophilic erythroblast

erythrocyte precursor slightly smaller than the proerythroblast; has deeply basophilic cytoplasm; EM reveals considerable numbers of polyribosomes present (beginning of hemoglobin synthesis at this stage); division of basophilic erythroblast gives rise to polychromatophilic erythroblast


bile

product of the liver stored in the gallbladder and released into the duodenum; allows for solubilization and uptake of lipids


bile canaliculus

"canal" between two adjacent hepatocytes; site of bile release from the hepatocyte


bile duct

ducts which carry bile from the liver parenchyma; bile ducts fuse to form the hepatic duct


blast cell

the earlier precursor of blood cells


blood vessel

structure that carries blood and blood-borne substances; lined by smooth muscle; types include:


blood-testis barrier

the junctional complex between adjacent Sertoli cells; keeps developing germ cells isolated from potentially harmful antibodies of the circulation


blood-thymus barrier

a barrier between lymphocytes and the lumen of vessels in the thymus; consists of:


B-lymphocyte

see lymphocyte


bone

specialized connective tissue with a mineralized (hydroxyapatite) matrix


bone marrow

blood-rich material in the center of bone; involved in hemopoiesis


bone-lining cell

flat cell that aligns bone surfaces; is an inactive osteoprogenitor cell


bony callus

stage in bone repair; replaces the fibrocartilaginous callus after mineralization


Bowman's capsule

site of plasma filtration; a double-layered cup-shaped structure that surrounds the glomerulus


Bowman's gland

"olfactory gland"; the secretion of this serous glands traps and dissolves odor-producing particles in the nasal cavity to allow for new smells to be detected


Bowman's membrane

basal lamina of the corneal epithelium


bronchial artery

branches of this vessel supply all lung tissue except for the alveoli


bronchial vein

this vessel drains the connective tissue of the lung hilus


bronchiolar cell

also known as "Clara cell"; nonciliated cell lining bronchioles that secretes a lipoprotein to prevent adhesion of the airway walls


bronchiole

structure extending from the bronchi to the alveoli


bronchus

see trachea


Brunner's gland

submucosal mucous glands of the duodenum


brush border

the appearance of the numerous microvilli of an absorptive epithelium


brush cell

a columnar epithelial cell of the respiratory system with numerous microvilli; serves as a sensory receptor; basal surface is in contact with a nerve ending


calcified cartilage

a stage of endochondral bone formation in which cartilage previously laid down is mineralized


canal of Schlemm

opening at the corneal-scleral junction which drains the aqueous humor


canaliculus

"tunnel" which allows osteocytes housed in separate lacunae to communicate via cytoplasmic processes


cancer cell

cell that exhibits uncontrolled growth; may spread throughout the organism affected


capillary

a small blood vessel which receives from arteries and delivers to veins; thin endothelium is ideal for exchange of substances


capillary space

the side opposite the urinary pole in the glomerulus; contains blood


capsular matrix

material of the capsule consisting of sulfated proteoglycans


capsule

1)a covering layer of connective tissue of the lymph node, spleen, testis, prostate and other organs

2)secreted matrix surrounding the lacunae of chondrocytes


carcinoma in situ (CIS)

a condition in which cancer cells are limited (at least temporarily) by the basement membrane from spreading to other areas


cardiac gland

gland located within the stomach at its junction with the esophagus; similar in property to the esophageal cardiac gland


cardiac muscle

involuntary, striated muscle that makes up the mass of the heart and lines some large vessels (i.e. large branches of the pulmonary vein)


cardiac myocyte

the elongate cell whose contractile and electric communication properties allow the heart to beat


cartilage

tissue consisting of chondrocytes and a surrounding matrix; types include:


cartilage plate

supporting structure found in good number in the bronchi; becomes smaller and less numerous in smaller bronchial branches


cartilage ring

C-shaped hyaline cartilage which maintains the tubular shape of the trachea and the main bronchi


cell body

the main mass of the cell, from which various processes may extend


cell lineage

the full developmental stages of a given cell


central artery

name for the splenic artery within the white pulp


central vein

large vessel which drains the hepatic sinusoids


centriole

cellular stucture involved in organizing the microtubular apparatus and also the mitotic spindle which is needed for faithful division of genetic material in cellular division


centroacinar cell

a cell of the proximal intercalated duct within the pancreatic acinus


cervical gland

mucous gland of the cervical mucosa; secretes less viscous mucous during mid-menstrual cycle


cervical mucosa

lining of the head of the uterus (cervix); contains large branched glands; does not undergo sloughing


cervical myometrium

see myometrium


cervical stroma

see stroma


Chief cell

basophilic cell of the stomach fundic gland that secretes pepsinogen and a weak lipase


chondroblast

a cell that secretes cartilage matrix; referred to as chondrocyte when surrounded by matrix


chondrocyte

see chondroblast


chondrogenic layer

a region of cartilage formation


chorionic plate

fetal part of the placenta from which chorionic villi project


chorionic villus

finger-like extension of the chorionic plate which allows for maternal-fetal blood exchange; lined on the outer surface by the syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast and contains a core of fetal blood vessels; the intervillous spaces contain maternal blood; this arrangment allows for maternal-fetal exchange


choroid

vascular layer which provides nutrition to the retina


chromaffin cell

cell of the adrenal medulla which secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine


chromatin

a tightly packed complex of DNA and histones (proteins) located in the nucleus


chromophobe

cell of the adenohypophysis which does not stain


chromosome

paired chromatids joined by a centromere; the chromatids consist of chromatin; humans possess 23 paired chromosomes


ciliary body

tissue located between iris and choroid; produces the aqueous humor and houses muscles which control lens shape


ciliary muscle

smooth muscle of the ciliary body that controls the shape of the lens


ciliated columnar epithelium

the typical epithelium of the respiratory system; the cilia serve to move mucus and inhaled particles


ciliated epithelial cell

cell equipped with cilia; primarily in the respiratory system and the oviduct


cilium

projection of certain cells containing microtubules which allows for cellular movement or the propulsion of other particles (i.e. mucus, an oocyte, etc.)


circular fiber of ciliary muscle

allows lens to become more spherical


circumvallate papillae

large, dome-shaped structures anterior to the sulcus terminalis of the tongue which contain taste buds


Clara cell

see bronchiolar cell


classical lobule

hexagonal model of liver organization with six portal triads surrounding a central vein


cleft of Schmidt-Lantermann

spaces within the myelin sheath containing Schwann cell cytoplasm


closed circulation theory

a model for splenic circulation in which blood empties from splenic arterioles into the sinuses of the red pulp


cochlea

the coiled structure located in the inner ear that houses the auditory apparatus


cochlear canal

space divided into the scala vestibuli superiorly and scala tympani inferiorly and the scala media in the center


cochlear duct

A triangular space bordered by the basilar membrane, Reissner's membrane, and the lateral cochlear wall


cochlear nerve

the auditory portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)


collagen bundle

a large grouping of collagen fibers


collagen fiber

see collagen


collagen fibril

the basic functional and structural unit of collagen fibers consisting of a repeating pattern of collagen molecules in a banded array


collagen

a triple helix protein which allows for great tensile strength; types include:


collecting duct

duct of the kidney cortex and medulla that drains the tubule network into the larger ducts of Bellini; lined by squamous cells, cuboidal cells, and columnar epithelial cells, in that order as the duct increases in size


collecting tubule

tubule that emerges in the cortical labyrinth; a number of these merge to form a collecting duct within a medullary ray


collecting vein

same as central vein


colloid

gel-like material of the follicles; site of thyroglobulin storage


columnar epithelial cell

a cell which is taller than it is wide; lines large glands and ducts; ideal for absorptive epithelia


common bile duct

structure which drains the cystic and hepatic duct into the duodenum


compact bone

bone characterized by heavy matrix deposition; confers great tensile strength; also known as 'cortical' bone


conducting portion

structures of the respiratory system which bring air to the sites of gas exchange; include:


cone

photoreceptor cell responsible for color vision


conjunctiva

mucus membrane lining the space between inner eyelids and surface lateral to the cornea


connective tissue

supportive tissue; includes:


continuous capillary

capillaries with a continuous endothelium; present in muscle, lung, and the CNS


cornea

chief refractive element and anterior window of the eye


coronary artery

a vessel that brings blood to heart tissue


coronary vein

a vessel that takes deoxygenated blood away from heart tissue


corpus albicans

a degenerated corpus luteum; filled with lipid and hyaline


corpus cavernosum

see erectile tissue


corpus luteum

after ovulation, the collapsed Graafian follicle gives rise to this endocrine structure; produces progesterone and estrogen


corpus spongiosum

see erectile tissue


cortex

1) the outer layer of the lymph node and thymus; contains high concentration of lymphocytes

2) the outer portion of a given organ

3) the outer portion of the adrenal gland; comprised of the (outer to inner):


cortical labyrinth

the combination of the renal corpuscle, the proximal and distal tubules


cortical sinus

also known as "subcapsular sinus"; area under the capsule where the afferent lymphatic vessels drain; lined by myoepithelial cells


corticotrope

cell of the pituitary which stimulates release of hormones by the adrenal cortex


crypt

area of the tonsil that contains large amounts of lymphocytes


crypt of Lieberkuhn

mucous gland of the intestinal mucosa


cuboidal cell

a cell with even dimensions on all sides; serves for absorption, barrier, and especially duct-lining


cytotrophoblast

derivative of the trophoblast (a segment of the blastocyst which gives rise to the supportive structures of the embryo) that is mitotically active and fuses with the syncytiotrophoblast


decidual cell

cells of the endometrial stroma which, under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, store large amounts of glycogen; this creates a favorable environment for implantation of the blastocyst; appears as large, pale cell


deep cortex

area of the lymph node cortex which is adjacent to the medulla; T-lymphocytes are abundant here


dendrite

the signal receiving appendage of neurons


dense irregular connective tissue

connective tissue with randomized arrangement of abundant collagen fibers and sparse cellular content (i.e. submucosa)


dense regular connective tissue

connective tissue with ordered and densely packed fibers (i.e. collagen) and cells; provides significant strength; see also tendon


dermal papillae

connective tissue evaginations from the dermis into the epidermis


dermis

the inner layer of the skin; composed of dense irregular connective tissue


Descemet's membrane

basal lamina of the corneal endothelium


desmosome

a strong adhesion on the lateral surfaces of cells; the strength is imparted by intermediate filament; also known as 'macula adherens'


diapedesis

process of lymphocyte migration through the blood vessel lining


diaphysis

the shaft of a long bone


dilator pupillae muscle

increases the iris (pupil) opening


distal convoluted tubule

a tortuous tubule of the cortex lined by cuboidal cells; exchanges sodium for potassium, reabsorbs bicarbonate, and converts ammonia to ammonium; houses the macula densa


distal straight tubule

tubule of the medullary ray lined by cuboidal cells


dome-shaped cell

cell of the bladder which changes shape according to the state of distension


dorsal surface of the tongue

the top surface of the tongue which is covered with papillae


duct

conduit that delivers substances from site of production to target site; sweat ducts are typically simple cuboidal epithelium or stratified cuboidal epithelium


ductuli efferentes

structure that connects the rete testis to the ductus epididymis; lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium


ductus deferens

same as vas deferens; leads from the ductus epididymis to the prostatic urethra; lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium


ductus epididymis

highly coiled tube lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium; the principal cells of this epithelium possess stereocilia which move maturing spermatozoa through the channel


duodenal gland

see Brunner's gland


duodenum

the initial portion of the intestine; receives contents of the stomach


dust cell

see alveolar macrophage


early spermatid

one of the more mature spermatozoan precursors; it is a round cell that is attached to the apical membrane of a Sertoli cell


eccrine sweat gland

sweat gland found all over the body except the lips and external genitalia


efferent arteriole

drainage vessel of the glomerulus


efferent lymph vessel

a vessel that takes lymph away from the lymph node


ejaculatory duct

the ductus deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle form this structure in the body of the prostate gland; empties into the urethra


elastic artery

vessel with dense concentration of elastic laminae in the tunica media; i.e. aorta


elastic cartilage

see cartilage


elastic cartilage matrix

consists primarily of elastic fibers


elastic fiber

connective tissue fiber that allows for flexibility; composed of the protein elastin


elastic laminae

elastic fibers arranged in concentric layers:


elastin

polypeptide component of elastic fibers


endocardium

the heart wall layer which contacts blood; consists of outer endothelial layer and inner subendothelial layer of connective tissue


endocervix

the part of the cervix facing inward toward the uterus; see also squamocolumnar junction


endochondral bone formation

a process of bone formation involving a cartilaginous precursor which is later mineralized and replaced with bone; occurs in all long bones


endolymph

fluid of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear


endometrium

lining of the uterus and cervix consisting of two layers:

the uterine lining undergoes changes during the menstrual cycle:

  1. proliferative phase- estrogen regulated; thickening of uterine glands, proliferation of stroma, growth of spiral artery
  2. secretory phase- progesterone regulated; very thick endometrium; uterine glands and spiral arteries coil
  3. menstrual phase- rupture of vessels; sloughing of the endometrium; overall loss in endometrial mass


endomysium

connective tissue layer of reticular fibers surrounding muscle fibers


endoneurium

connective tissue which surrounds individual nerve fibers


endosome

membrane-enclosed compartment surrounding a particle/cell that was phagocytosed


endosteum

lining of the bone surface facing the marrow and also of trabeculae; consists of osteoprogenitor cells that are referred to as "endosteal cells"


endotendineum

connective tissue which surrounds a fasicle (the subunit of a tendon); contains vessels and nerves


endothelial cell

squamous cell that lines blood and lymphatic vessels


endothelium

1)layer of endothelial cells and their underlying basement membrane; lines all but the smallest vessels
2)the deepest layer of the cornea


entero-endocrine cell

see APUD cell


eosinophil

leukocyte with bilobed nuclei; engages in phagocytosis of antigen-antibody complex; possesses histaminase and other enzymes which neutralize the substances released by mast cells and basophils to prevent hyperinflammation; bilobed nucleus (humans); rodent eosinophils have annular shaped nucleus and monkeys eosinophils contain multilobed nuclei; have red granules (H&E) in cytoplasm


epicardium

see pericardium


epidermis

outer layer of skin; the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that comprises the upper skin layer; extensive keratin deposition allows for effective barrier function; has five strata (from inner to outer):


epimysium

dense connective tissue that surrounds a group of muscle fiber fascicles (bundles)


epinephrine

also known as "adrenaline"; hormone of the adrenal medulla; involved in the sympathetic response


epineurium

connective tissue that binds bundles of nerve fibers


epiphyseal plate

cartilaginous layer at the epiphysis of long bones which is the site of longitudinal bone growth


epiphysis

the ends of long bones


epitendineum

connective tissue layer that surrounds a tendon


epithelioreticular cell

stellate-shaped cell that serves a supportive role in the thymus


erectile tissue

the corpus cavernosum and the corpus spongiosum which when engorged with blood, allow for erection


ergastoplasm

another name for the rough endoplasmic reticulum


erythrocyte

see red blood cell


erythropoiesis

the process of red blood cell formation, occurs in the bone marrow


erythropoietin

a kidney protein which stimulates erythropoeisis in times of reduced tissue oxygen


esophageal cardiac gland

gland of the terminal esophagus; located in the lamina propria; secretes a neutral mucus to protect the esophagus from gastric regurgitation


esophageal gland

occurs throughout the esophageal submucosa; secretes a slightly acid secretion which lubricates the esophageal lumen


estrogen

steroid hormone which maintains/develops female sex characteristics


euchromatin

light-staining matter of the nucleus; represents less condensed, more actively transcribed DNA regions


excretory duct

see duct; in esophagus: lined by stratified squamous epithelium as it emerges from the esophageal gland


exocervix

the segment of the cervix facing the vaginal space; see also squamocolumnar junction


external anal sphincter muscle

voluntary sphincter of the anus


external elastic lamina

see elastic laminae


external elastic membrane

same as external elastic lamina


external root sheath

outer layer of the hair follicle; derived from a downgrowth of the epidermis


exudate

debris material containing dead leukocytes and foreign cells found at sites of infection


eyelash

a hair of the eyelid


eyelid

protects the eye from foreign objects and desiccation


F-actin

filamentous actin composed of two G-actin (globular actin) strands


fascia adherens

plates on the transverse intercalated disc that allow muscle cells to anchor to each other; analogous to the zonula adherens of epithelial cells


fenestrated capillary

capillary with a discontinuous basal lamina as well as gaps (covered by diaphragms) between the endothelial cells


fenestrated cortical sinusoidal capillary

see sinusoidal capillary


fenestration membrane

a discontinuous basal lamina of a fenestrated capillary covered by a diaphragm


fibroblast

Fusiform cell with cytoplasm that is usually indistinguishable from the surrounding matrix; tapering processes are present but are difficult to visualize in most sections; some very active cells have basophilic cytoplasm; has elliptical nucleus, sometimes slightly folded, with sparse chromatin that presents a "speckled" appearance (may be mistaken for plasma cell); has one to two nucleoli; makes fibers and ground substance


fibrocartilage

see cartilage


fibrocartilaginous callus

a stage of bone repair in which fibrocartilage is deposited to stabilize the ends of the fractured bones; later replaced by the bony callus


fibromuscular stroma

dense irregular connective tissue and smooth muscle of the prostate gland


filiform papillae

appendages on the dorsal surface of the tongue; covered with keratinized stratified squamous epithelium


fimbriae

finger-like extensions of the infundibulum which catch the oocyte after its departure from the ovary


fixed cell

a cell that is a resident of connective tissue; i.e mast cell


foam cell

a macrophage containing large lipid stores; located within an atherosclerotic plaque


foliate papillae

appendages of the dorsolateral surface of the tongue; contain many taste bud


follicle

1) the spherical structure responsible for hormone production in the thyroid gland

2) see hair follicle


follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

pituitary hormone which stimulates the maturation of the ovarian follicle


follicular cell

the cuboidal cell of the thyroid follicle or the developing follicle


folliculogenesis

the process of follicular development; includes several stages (in the following order):


fundic gland

simple, branched tubular gland of the stomach fundus that produces the substances necessary for digestion; contains Chief cells, mucous neck cells, parietal cells, APUD cells, and stem cells


fungiform papillae

mushroom-shaped appendages of the dorsal tongue; contain numerous taste buds


G-actin

"globular" actin, appears bead-like in structure


GALT

Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue; lymphatic aggregates located throughout the digestive tract


ganglion

a group of neuronal cell bodies


ganglion cell

1) a cell of a ganglion 2) postganlionic cell of the adrenal medulla; causes release of norepinephrine and epinephrine upon nervous stimulation


ganglion cell layer

layer of the neural retina which houses neurons involved in transmitting the signals of photoreception


gap junction

channel that allows electrical, electrolyte, and fluid communication between adjacent cells; also known as nexus


gastric gland

another name for fundic glands


gastric pit

depression of the stomach lining that opens into the gastric gland


germinal center

area of lymphatic tissue containing rapidly developing/differentiating lymphocytes


germinal epithelium

cuboidal cells that line the surface of the ovary; does NOT give rise to germ cells


gland

structure involved in producing substances to be secreted; sweat glands tend to be lined by either stratified cuboidal epithelium or stratified columnar_epithelium


glomerular basement membrane

GBM; basal lamina between the podocytes and endothelium; allows selective permeability by size and charge (positive, small particles filter easier


glomerulus

capillary meshwork of the kidney nephron


glucocorticoid

see zona fasciculata


glycogen

primary energy storage form of animal cells; appear as empty vacuoles in LM


goblet cell

special mucus-secreting columnar epithelial cell located in the respiratory system and intestines; large vacuoles can be seen in light microscopy


Golgi complex

cellular structure involved in modifying, packaging, sorting, and secreting proteins; has cis face for receiving and trans face for releasing products


gonadocorticoid

LH and FSH; released by the gonadotropes


gonadotrope

cell of the adenohypophysis which releases LH and FSH


Graafian follicle

see folliculogenesis


granulocyte

neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, all of which possess certain immunoreactive substances contained in granules


granulopoiesis

the developmental process of granulocytes


granulosa cell

cell which comprises a layer which surrounds the antrum of the mature follicle; catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogen


granulosa lutein cell

cell of the corpus luteum derived from the granulosa cell


ground substance

viscous substance that occupies the space between fibroblasts and connective tissue


H band

a region of the sarcomere with only myosin filaments; shortens with contraction


hair

appendage of the skin composed of keratinized cells


hair cell

the cell of audioreception protruding from the basilar membrane; registers vibration, which is then converted to electrical signals transmitted along the cochlear nerve


hair follicle

skin structure from which hairs arise


Hassall's corpuscle

concentric arrangement of epithelioreticular cells; more prominent in adults


Haversian canal

see Haversian system


Haversian system

concentric lamellae arranged around a central (Haversian) canal which conatins blood vessels and nerve supply


heart failure cell

alveolar macrophage filled with hemosiderin; indicative of congestive heart failure


helper T-lymphocyte

a cell that stimulates B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to carry out their respective functions


hematopoiesis

same as hemopoiesis


hemidesmosome

structure on the basal surface of an epithelial cell that anchors it to connective tissue elements


hemocytoblast

large cell with basophilic cytoplasm and large nucleus which was at one time considered to be the precursor to all blood cell types


hemopoiesis

process of blood cell formation from a common stem cell; occurs in bone marrow in the adult


hemosiderin

debris found in heart failure cells


hepatic acinus

see liver acinus


hepatic artery

vessel carrying oxygen rich blood to the liver


hepatic duct

duct which delivers bile from the liver to the cystic and common bile ducts


hepatic sinusoid

sinusoids of the liver

hepatic vein

drains deoxygenated blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava


hepatocyte

the basic functional cell of the liver


Herring body

axonal dilation within the neurons of the pars nervosa; contains either oxytocin or vasopressin


heterochromatin

dark staining regions of chromatin in the nucleus; signifies DNA regions of little transcripitional activity


hilus

the area of a lymph node where vessels enter and exit


Hofbauer cell

macrophage-like cell of the chorionic villus; unknown function; contains stores of lipids and glycoproteins


holocrine

mode of secretion in which part of the secretory cell is exuded in the product; i.e. sebaceous gland


Howship's lacuna

the space underneath an osteoclast where bone matrix is being resorped


hyaline cartilage

see cartilage


hypertrophy

overgrowth of cells due to: overstimulation of the tissue/organ which they comprise, a cancer, or a benign condition such as BPH (benign prostratic hypertrophy)


hypodermis

a layer of connective tissue beneath the dermis; contains ample adipose


hypophyseal portal system

capillary network carrying neuroendocrine secretions from the median eminence and infundibular stem to the pars anterior


hypothalamohypophyseal tract

nerve tract leading from the hypothalamus to the pituitary


I band

a region of the sarcomere whose span includes only actin filaments


ileum

terminal portion of small intestine; opens into cecum of the large intestine


immunoglobulin

antibody secreted by the plasma cells; types include:


inactive mammary gland

mammary gland with much dense irregular connective tissue and no secretory activity


inflammation

bodily response to injury characterized by pain, swelling, redness, and loss of function; triggered by heavy infiltration of leukocytes, particularly neutrophils


infundibulum

1)attachment between the hypothalamus and pituitary
2)see oviduct


inner circumferential lamellae

concentric rings of bone matrix closer to the bone center


inner elastic membrane

same as internal elastic lamina


inner limiting membrane

layer of the neural retina composed of the basal lamina of Muller cells


inner nuclear layer

layer of neural retina housing horizontal, amacrine, bipolar and Muller cells


inner plexiform layer

contains processes of the cells of the inner nuclear layer


intercalated disc

structure which connects adjacent muscle fibers at their ends; also allows for communication via gap junctions which span it


intercalated duct

located between an acinus and larger ducts in salivary glands; secrete bicarbonate and absorb chloride; most prominent in salivary glands that produce watery secretions


intercellular bridge

the actin filament bundles interposed between adjacent Sertoli cells


intercellular space

a space between adjacent cells


interlobar artery

branch of the renal artery; travels between adjacent renal pyramids


interlobular artery

vessel that branches from an interlobar artery and descends into a kidney lobule; a lobule is a segment of a lobe, which in turn consists of a pyramid and surrounding tissue on its base and sides


interlobular duct

duct of the mammary gland; located at a distance from lobules


interlobular vein

vessel that carries deoxygenated blood in the same region as the interlobular artery, but in reverse course


intermediate filament

cytoskeletal element which serves a general supportive and structural function


intermediate lobe

see pars intermedia


internal anal sphincter muscle

the involuntary, inner anal sphincter; composed of smooth muscle


internal elastic lamina

see elastic laminae


internal elastic membrane

same as internal elastic lamina


interstitial growth

process of bone/cartilage growth due to cell division rather than matrix deposition


interstitial lamellae

rows of bony matrix in the area between Haversian systems


interterritorial matrix

in cartilage, material at a distance from cells; proteoglycans are in sparse concentration here; see also territorial matrix


intervillous space

see chorionic villus


intestinal gland

same as crypt of Lieberkuhn


intracellular canaliculus

invagination of the parietal cell membrane with numerous microvilli; this system enhances the surface area available for HCL release


intralobular duct

1) the equivalent of the striated duct; lined by cuboidal cells; functions in reabsorption of sodium and secretion of potassium; found in salivary glands and the pancreas

2) duct leading from the mammary lobules to the interlobular duct


intramembranous bone formation

process in which bone is laid down by osteoblasts without a prior cartilaginous precursor; primary mode of flat bone formation


intrinsic striated muscles of tongue

visceral striated muscle; allow for voluntary tongue movement


iridocorneal angle

the space between where the iris and cornea are anchored


iris

diaphragm extending over the lens surface; controls pupil diameter


islet cell

see islet of Langerhans


islet of Langerhans

functional unit of the endocrine pancreas; composed of three cell types:


isogenous group

group of contiguous chondrocytes that results from the division of a single precursor


isthmus

see oviduct


Ito cell

see lipocyte


jejunum

middle portion of the small intestine


junctional complex

the combination of desmosomes, zonula adherens, and zonula occludens


juxtaglomerular apparatus

structure adjacent to the afferent and efferent arterioles; it is involved in the release of renin, and hence the control of blood pressure; consists of:


juxtaglomerular cell

see juxtaglomerular apparatus


keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

see epidermis


keratinocyte

cell of the epidermis which produces keratin


keratohyalin

protein produced by the keratinocyte which becomes keratin when combined with tonofilaments (intermediate filaments)


killer T-lymphocyte

a cell of the immune system that directly attacks foreign cells, causing lysis


Kupffer cell

cell of the mononuclear phagocytic system which resides in the space of Disse; degrades damaged erythrocytes


labial mucosa

lining of the oral surface of the lip; consists of stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium


lacteal

a small lymphatic vessel located at the intestinal villus tip


lacuna

the housing compartment of chondrocytes and osteocytes within their respective matrices


lamina propria

the loose connective tissue of mucous membranes


Langerhans cell

antigen-presenting cell of the stratum spinosum; has clear cytoplasm and dark-staining nucleus


larynx

air passage between the oropharynx and the trachea


late spermatid

elongate spermatozoan precursor bordering the seminiferous tubule lumen, yet still attached to a Sertoli cell


lateral surface of epithelial cell

that side of the cell in contact with other cells; usually anchored by various filament complexes


layer of rods and cones

layer of neural retina housing the photoreceptors


lens

transparent, elliptical structure which along with the cornea, is a refractive element of the eye


lens capsule

thick basal lamina covering the lens


leukemia

a cancer in which the numbers of leukocytes in the blood increase dramatically; immature blood cells are also found in circulation in this condition


leukocyte

a cell of the immune system; also known as a white blood cell


leutinizing hormone

pituitary hormone which stimulates theca interna cells to secrete androgens


Leydig cell

cell of the stroma surrounding the seminiferous tubule which produces testosterone; this hormone is important in the male for:


limbus

a transitional area between cornea and sclera


lipid

fatty acids, cholesterol, etc. housed in cells as vacuoles


lipid droplet

lipid vacuoles inside cells; usually lost in preparation for microscopy


lipocyte

also known as "Ito cell"; cell of the liver which stores large amounts of lipid as well as vitamin A


lipofuscin

vacuole containing debris; the older a cell, the more lipofuscin it will contain; also known as tertiary lysosome and residual body


liver acinus

elliptical model of liver organization with central veins on the ends of the long axis, and portal triads on the ends of the short longitudinal axis


lobe

subdivision of the lung; the left lung is divided into an upper and lower lobe, the right lung is divided into an upper, middle, and lower lobe


lobule

1)a group of ducts and surrounding connective tissue within the mammary gland
2)the functional unit of liver organization; defined variously as: the classical lobule, the liver acinus, and the portal lobule
3)an area of the lung supplied by a bronchiole


longitudinal (meridional) fiber

part of the ciliary muscle; causes tension of the lens


loop of Henle

a U-shaped structure of the nephron consisting of the descending proximal straight tubule, the thin segment, and the ascending distal straight tubule


loose connective tissue

connective tissue with an abundance of cells and sparse fibers


lymph nodule

aggregates of lymphocytes in the cortex of the lymph node


lymphatic channel

same as lymphatic vessel


lymphatic vessel

a vessel that carries lymph, which consists of interstitial fluid, cells of the immune system, foreign cells, and other substances


lymphocyte

Small round cell with dark nucleus and only a thin rim of cytoplasm:


lymphopoiesis

the process of development of lymphocytes in lymph nodes


lysosome

digestive organelles containing various hydrolytic enzymes;


M band

located in the sarcomere, a region at the center of the H band which signifies the attachment sites of myosin filaments to each other


macrophage

massive cell involved in phagocytosis of foreign material or defective host cells, and in antigen presentation; usually irregular in shape with vacuolated cytoplasm; the macrophage is difficult to distinguish from a fibroblast without the presence of phagocytosed material


macula adherens

see desmosome


macula densa

specialized cell group of the distal convoluted tubule that is part of the juxtaglomerular apparatus


malignant acinus

in prostate cancer, the presence of glandular hypertrophy


Mallory body

eosinophilic inclusion found in the hepatocyte of alcoholics


MALT

mucosa associated lymphatic tissue; lymphatic aggregates of the cervical mucosa


mammatrope

acidophilic cell of the adenohypophysis which releases luteotropic hormone (LTH)


marginal zone

area between the red pulp and white pulp of the spleen


marrow

see bone marrow


mast cell

large fixed cell that has large granules containing immunoreactive and vasoactive substances: histamine, slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis, eosinophilic chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis, and heparin; found near blood vessels; round small nucleus (as compared to cell size); numerous granules show metachromasia with some stains


mature cell

a cell after it has fully developed from its precursors; if applied to granulocytes, refers to the cell form of the circulation, which usually contains a multilobed segmented nucleus


median eminence

continuous with the infundibulum; carries neurosecretory nerves


mediastinum testis

connective tissue that projects into the parenchyma of the testis, carrying with it blood and lymph vessels


medulla

the inner portion of an organ; in the thymus and lymph node, area of relatively sparse lymphocyte concentration


medulla of lymph node

inner portion which contains a lesser concentration of lymphocytes


medullary cord

tissue of the medulla in lymph organs containing reticular cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells


medullary ray

aggregate of the proximal, distal straight and collecting tubules


medullary sinus

space between adjacent medullary cord; drains lymph into the efferent lymph vessel


medullary vein

also known as "central vein"; large, muscular vein of the adrenal medulla; its strong contractility facilitates quick release of the medullary hormones


megakaryocyte

a massive precursor of platelets within the bone marrow; possesses a multilobed nucleus


meiosis

a process which produces daughter cells with half the DNA content of the parent; results in germ cell production


Meissner's corpuscle

receptors of low frequency tactile stimuli; located on hairless skin


Meissner's plexus

a ganglion of the submucosa which controls secretion in the digestive tract


melanocyte

a cell of the epidermis which produces melanin, the substance responsible for pigmentation


melanotrope

cell of the pars intermedia which stimulates melanin production; found in some non-human species


membrane coating granule

found within the keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum; contains a glycolipid that forms a water barrier on the skin surface


menstrual phase of the endometrium

see endometrium


Merkel cell

cell of stratum basale which functions in cutaneous sensation


mesangial cell

cell of the juxtaglomerular apparatus and renal corpuscle; involved in phagocytosis of debris


mesaxon

slit left exposed on outer myelin sheath after myelin wrapping is complete


mesothelial cell

squamous cell comprising the cellular part of the mesothelium


mesothelium

epithelial lining of the body cavities (i.e. thoracic, pericardial, abdominal)


metachromasia

phenomenon in which a basic dye changes color from blue to red/purple due to the dense presence of polyanionic groups (i.e. phosphates, sulfates)


metamyelocyte

precursor of granulocytes which shows varying degrees of indentation, and elongation of the nucleus indicative of differentiation into the more mature juvenile or band forms.


metaphysis

the curve between the ends of the bone (epiphysis) and the shaft of the bone (diaphysis)


metastasis

the spread of a cancer to areas away from where it originated


metastatic cancer cell

cell involved in metastasis


microbiological flora

bacteria; found in certain body cavities; see Pap smear


microfilament

cytoskeletal element involved in cell anchorage, contraction, exocytosis/endocytosis, structure of microvilli, and locomotion; actin and myosin are examples


microtubule

cytoskeletal element found in cilia, flagella, basal bodies, the mitotic spindle, centrioles, cytoplasm, and elongating cell processes (i.e. axon)


microvilli

processes of the apical plasma membrane of absorptive cells; increase surface area for absorption


mineralocorticoids

see zona glomerulosa


minor calyx

the point where the collecting ducts of a pyramid drain; several of these structures drain into a major calyx


mitochondria

oxidative organelle of the cell; believed to be derived from a prokaryotic symbiote


mitochondrial cristae

involutions of the inner mitochondrial membrane protruding into the matrix; contain enzymes of oxidative phosphorylation


mitosis

process which produces two daughter cells, each with genetic material equal in amount to the parent


mitotic cell

cell in the process of dividing into two daughter cells which will contain the same amount of genetic material as the parent


mixed spicule

newly forming bone atop calcified cartilage; seen in endochondral bone formation


modiolus

bony core around which the cochlea turns 2 and 3/4 times


monoblast

precursor of the promonocyte


monocyte

the large blood-borne precursor of mononuclear phagocytic system cells; has some vacuoles and indented nucleus frequently lacking nucleoli


mononuclear phagocytic system

cells capable of vigorous phagocytosis; arise from monocytes; this system includes:


mucocutaneous junction

the border between the epidermis of the outer lip and the labial mucosa


mucosa

the combination of an epithelial lining, the lamina propria, and muscularis muscosae


mucous acinus

a mucous secretory unit with a circular arrangement of mucous cells


mucous cell

a cell that produces and releases mucous; vacuoles are usually visible within the eosiniphilic cytoplasm


mucous gland cell

a cell of a mucous gland located in the digestive tract, respiratory system, etc


mucous gland

a gland that release mucous, a glycoprotein


mucous neck cell

located at the neck of the fundic gland; secretes a soluble mucous


mucous-secreting cell

see mucous cell


mucous surface cell

cell lining the gastric pit; secretes an insoluble mucous


muscle fiber

see myofiber


muscular artery

most numerous of artery types; notable for thick, muscular tunica media; example is brachial artery


muscularis

see muscularis externa


muscularis externa

located beneath the submucosa of the esophagus; consists of an inner circular and outer longitudinal layer


muscularis mucosa

deepest layer of the mucosa; consists of an inner circular and outer longitudinal layer


myelin

lipid-rich substance that is formed as a sheath by Schwann cells onto certain types of nerves; allows for rapid conduction


myelin sheath

see myelin


myelinated axon

see myelin


myelinated nerve

see myelin


myeloblast

precursor of the promyelocyte; have large nuclei


myelocyte

precursor in the granulocyte cell line; first one to contain specific granules; has slightly indented nucleus; also a reduction in the number of the azurophilic granules; cells are further distinguished according to the type ofgranules that develop, i.e., neutrophilic myelocyte (60%), eosinophilic myelocyte, basophilic myelocyte (3%); the nucleus of these cells is slightly indented; cells in this series divide and give rise to metamyelocytes


myocardium

intermediate, bulky layer of the heart wall; comprised of numerous cardiac myocytes


myoepithelial cell

contractile cell that lines glands; it contracts to cause secretion; i.e. the alveoli of the mammary gland are lined by these cells


myofiber

also known as "myotube"; the muscle cell


myofibril

a unit of repeating sarcomeres; subunit of the myofiber


myofibroblast

spindle-shaped cell that displays cytological characteristics of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells; elongated nucleus often exhibits an wavily profile; cytoplasm can be distinguished from the surrounding matrix due to the presents of actin filaments (and dense bodies at EM-level); does not have basal (external) lamina; is seen usually as an isolated cell, although its processes may contact the processes of other myofibroblast (gap junctions at EM-level); contractile cell of connective tissue; major role in wound contraction


myofilament

functional and structural protein of muscle cells; see actin and myosin


myoid cell

a cell of the stroma surrounding the seminiferous tubule; has contractile properties and also secretes the stroma matter


myometrium

smooth muscle layer of the uterus


myosin

thick filament constituent protein which together with actin allows for muscle contraction


myotube

see myofiber


myotube nucleus

nucleus of a myofiber


neck of gastric gland

see mucous neck cell


nephron

functional unit of the kidney; consists of a glomerulus and its tubular network


nerve

see nerve fiber


nerve fiber

structure comprised of the axon and its myelin sheath; a bundle of nerve fibers forms a nerve, which serves as a "cable" to communicate electrical signals throughout the body


nervi vasorum

nerve supply to vessels; located in the tunica adventitia


neurofilament

intermediate filament located in axons function in axonal transport


neurohypophysis

posterior pituitary; contains neurosecretory tissue


neuron

the nerve cell; allows for conduction and reception via specialized processes (axons and dendrites)


neutrophil

also known as "polymorphonuclear leukocyte"; a leukocyte which engages actively in phagocytosis and is the main trigger for the inflammation response; multilobed nucleus with heterochromatin and no visible nucleolus; some granules in cytoplasm may stain light blue to pink depending on conditions


Nissl body

rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) of the nerve cell


node of Ranvier

space between two adjacent Schwann cells which is a gap in the myelin sheath; allows for a jumping signal known as "saltatory conduction"


nonciliated cell

those cells lacking cilia; see also oviduct


non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

see stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium


non-myelinated axon

see myelin


norepinephrine

also referred to as "noradrenaline"; hormone of the adrenal medulla involved in the sympathetic response


normoblast

also known as "orthochromatophilic erythroblast"; erythrocyte precursor with heavy eosinophilic stain due to dense hemoglobin production


nuclear envelope

the membrane surrounding the nucleus; continuous with the rough endoplasmic reticulum


nuclear pore

opening in nuclear envelope which allows for transit of ribosomal subunits, mRNA, etc.


nucleolus

site of ribosomal RNA synthesis; appears as dense structure within the nucleus


nucleus

enveloped compartment containing the genetic material of the cell


nucleus of ganglion cell

see nucleus


olfactory cell

bipolar neurons that are the receptorsof smell in the nasal cavity


olfactory epithelium

epithelium responsible for the sense of smell; consists of:


oocyte

the developing female gamete


oogenesis

production of oocytes


oogonia

cells which give rise to primordial follicles


open circulation theory

model in which blood empties from splenic arterioles into the splenic cords and from there into the splenic sinuses


optic nerve fiber layer

layer of the neural retina containing the axons of the ganglion cells


oral mucosa

see labial mucosa


orbicularis oculi muscle

voluntary muscle which allows for eyelid closure


orbicularis oris muscle

striated, voluntary muscle of the lip


organ

a structure that performs a specific function (i.e. digestive action of stomach)


organ of Corti

consists of hair cells and supporting cells atop the basilar membrane; it is the site of aufioreception when hair cells are stimulated by vibrations


osteoblast

a flat, eosinophilic cell which secretes bone matrix


osteoclast

a phagocytic cell involved in the resorption of bone matrix


osteocyte

a mature osteoblast; has an ovoid shape


osteoid

unmineralized bone matrix secreted by osteoblasts


osteon

see Haversian system


osteoprogenitor cell

cell contained in the periosteum, the fibrous layer which covers bone; gives rise to osteoblasts


outer circumferential lamellae

concentric rings of bony matrix closer to the bone periphery than the center


outer cortex

the outer portion of the lymph node cortex containing nodules, which in turn house germinal centers


outer elastic membrane

see elastic laminae


outer limiting membrane

layer between the layer of rods and cones and the outer nuclear layer


outer nuclear layer

layer of the neural retina housing the cell bodies of rods and cones


outer plexiform layer

layer of the neural retina containing the processes of rods, cones, bipolar, horizontal, and amacrine cells


ovarian cyst

structure seen in polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD); lined by granulosa cells and surrounded by hypertrophic theca interna cells


ovarian stroma

the supporting tissue of the ovary; contains much loose connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves


oviduct

lined by ciliated cells and nonciliated ("peg") cells; tube leading from the ovary to the uterus; has four parts:


ovulation

the process of oocyte release from the Graafian follicle; occurs due to a sharp rise in leutinizing hormone (LH)


oxyphil

round, acidophilic cell of the parathyroid with no known function


Pacinian corpuscle

pressure receptor of the skin located in the dermis and hypodermis


pampiniform plexus

unusually thick veins of the spermatic cord; have at least two smooth muscle layers


pancreatic acinar cell

secretory cell of the pancreas; contain granules visible under LM


pancreatic acinus

circular secretory unit of the exocrine pancreas


Paneth cell

specialized cell of the the small intestine that releases antibacterial substances and engages in phagocytosis; regulates the small intestinal flora population


Pap smear

cytological exam conducted by scraping the vaginal and cervical lining; contains epithelial cells, granulocytes, microbiological flora, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes; may on occasion contain cancer cells


parafollicular cell

cell located between thyroid follicles; secretes calcitonin


parakeratinized epithelium

epithelium of the mucocutaneous junction; analogous to the epidermis but with a top layer of cells that retain their nuclei


parakeratosis

disease state signified by retention of nuclei in the cells of the stratum corneum


parathyroid gland

ovoid gland associated with the thyroid gland; produces parathyroid hormone necessary for phosphate and calcium regulation


parenchyma

the functional tissue of an organ; as opposed to its supportive elements (i.e. the stroma


parenchymal cell

any cell involved in the basic function(s) of a given tissue, i.e. hepatocyte of the liver


parietal cell

cell of the fundic gland that releases HCL and intrinsic factor


parietal layer of Bowman's capsule

outer layer of the capsule; consists of squamous cells


parotid gland

a serous gland of the oral cavity


pars anterior

also known as "pars distalis"; the main secretory portion of the adenohypophysis; three cell types within it are


pars intermedia

part of the adenohypophysis with unknown function; secretes MSH in certain species


pars nervosa

part of the neurohypophysis which has neurosecretory nerve endings


pars tuberalis

part of the adenohypophysis which encircles the pars intermedia


penicillar artery

branch of the central artery of the spleen as it enters the red pulp


periarterial lymphoid sheath

"PALS"; layer of lymphocytes aggregated around the central artery of the spleen


pericardium

mesothelial layer surrounding the outer heart surface; contains vessels and nerves supplying the heart


perichondrium

dense irregular connective tissue which surrounds hyaline cartilage; contains fibroblasts and chondroblast precursors


pericyte

precursor of smooth muscle cells located in certain capillaries


perikaryon

the cell body of the neuron


perilymph

fluid between the bony and membranous labyrinth


perimetrium

serosa of the uterus


perimysium

connective tissue that surrounds a group of muscle fibers to form a fasicle


perineurial cell

a cell of the perineurium; has contractile property


perineurium

connective tissue which surrounds a nerve fiber bundle


periosteum

dense connective tissue layer that surrounds bone; contains osteoprogenitor cells


peritubular capillary

branch of the efferent arteriole which supplies and exchanges substances with the tubular network of the nephron


peroxisome

oxidative organelle; also known as 'microbody'; contains catalase and other peroxidases to break down hydrogen peroxidase produced from oxidative processes


phagocytosis

active engulfment by a cell of particles or another cell


pharynx

passage between the nasal and oral cavities and the larynx


pigmented epithelium

layer of the retina which prevents light scatter


pituicyte

cell of the neurohypophysis which may play a supportive role to the neurons located in that structure


plasma cell

derivatives of B-lymphocytes which mass produce antibodies; eccentrically placed nucleus with round shape; the distinct pattern or heterochromatin frequently presents a "cartwheel" appearance; negative Golgi and basophilic cytoplasm are evident


plasma membrane

semipermeable bilayer which surrounds cells; consists of phospholipids, proteins and carbohydrates


platelet

formed element of the blood involved in clotting


plicae circularis

semicircular folds within the submucosa of the small intestine; confer an irregular surface to the inner small intestine; most numerous in the jejunum


podocyte

cell of the visceral layer of Bowman's capsule; has numerous foot processes which act as part of the filtration barrier


polar body

body of excess cytoplasm produced in the meiotic division of the oocyte; eventually degenerate


polychromatophilic erythroblast

cell that has cytoplasm that is a dull gray to gray-green color due to a combination of basophilic staining (polyribosomes) and eosinophilic staining (hemoglobin); continued division and maturation gives rise to normoblasts


polychromatophilic erythrocyte

small, basophilic, enucleated cell which is the immediate precursor of the erythrocyte


portal lobule

triangular model of liver organization with three central veins surrounding a portal triad


portal system of blood flow

a system in which a vein or arteriole is interposed between two capillary beds; found in the kidney, liver, and piutitary


portal triad

branches of the hepatic artery, the portal vein, and the bile duct that run in tandem within the liver parenchyma


portal vein

a vessel that brings blood from the digestive tract, spleen, and pancreas to the liver


postcapillary venule

also known as high endothelial vessel (HEV); vessels with cuboidal lining in the deep cortex


posterior chamber of eye

space posterior to the iris and anterior to thelens


posterior lobe

see neurohypophysis


primary center of ossification

site of initial bone formation inside the diaphysis


primary follicle

see folliculogenesis


primary oocyte

see folliculogenesis


primordial follicle

see folliculogenesis


principal cell

cell of the parathyroid which secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH)


procollagen

polypeptide which is converted to collagen extracellularly


proerythroblast

earliest precursor of erythrocytes; has large nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm; 13-18 um in diameter; large spherical nucleus with 1-2 distinct nucleoli; thin rim of slight to moderate basophilic cytoplasm (basophilia attributable to increasing numbers of free ribosomes; rER absent); divides to give rise to basophilic erythroblast


proliferative mammary gland

mammary gland consisting of dense concentration of secretory structures


proliferative phase of the endometrium

see endometrium


promonocyte

precursor of the monocyte; large cell with a slightly indented nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm


promyelocyte

also known as "progranulocyte"; large cell which is the earliest precursor of the granulocytes; has slightly indented nucleus and distinct nucleolus; 16 um in diameter; characterized by cytoplasmic azurophilic granules; during maturation there is an increase in number of granules and increase in cell size (24 um) as a result of one or more divisions, smaller late promyelocytes are produced


prostate gland

largest accessory sex gland; secretes acid phosphatase, fibrinolysin, and citric acid; contains prostatic glands


prostatic concretion

calcified aggregate of the prostate gland which has "tree ring" like appearance; found especially in older men


prostatic gland

tubuloalveolar gland that secretes acid phosphatase, citric acid, and fibrinolysin into the urethra


prostatic sinus

spaces that open into the prostatic urethra


prostatic urethra

the portion of the urethra within the prostate


proximal convoluted tubule

tortuous tubule close in proximity to the glomerulus; the cuboidal cells of this structure exhibit a prominent brush border; most of sodium-potassium and water reabsorption occur here


proximal straight tubule

tubule of the medullary ray; lined by cuboidal cells with weak brush borders


pseudostratified columnar epithelium

unilayer of columnar cells, all of whose apices do not contact the lumen; the lining of the trachea, bronchi, ductus deferens, and ductus epididymis; suited for secretion, absorption, or duct-lining


pulmonary artery

vessel that brings deoxygenated blood to the lungs


pulmonary vein

vessel that brings oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the heart; lined with cardiac muscle


Purkinje fiber

large, eosinophilic cells with prominent nuclei specialized for conduction of electrical signals in the heart; allows for rhythmicity of heartbeat


pyknotic nucleus

a condensed nucleus; forms as a prelude to apoptosis


pyloric gland

gland of the stomach pylorus (region which meets the duodenum); branched, tubular glands containing mostly mucous surface cells and some parietal and APUD cells


pyramid

cone-shaped structure which houses the tubular networks of the numerous nephrons of the kidney parencyma


red blood cell

an erythrocyte; biconcave-shaped, enucleated cell responsible for oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal


red margin

area of the oral surface of the lip which is thin and rich in blood vessels


red pulp

part of the spleen rich in red blood cells; these are filtered and removed here (if damaged)


Reissner's membrane

see vestibular membrane


releasing factor

hormone of the hypothalamus which stimulates secretion by the adenohypophysis


renal calyx

see minor calyx


renal column

cortical tissue in between two adjacent pyramids


renal corpuscle

the combination of Bowman's capsule and the glomerulus


renal lobule

a segment of a renal lobe; the lobe consists of a pyramid and its surrounding connective tissue


residual body

1)see lysosome
2)excess cytoplasm shed by the late spermatid


resorption canal

a "tunnel" carved by osteoclasts advancing through bony matrix during bone remodeling


respiratory bronchiole

see bronchiole


respiratory epithelium

epithelium of the respiratory portion of the bronchial tree


respiratory portion

the structures of the respiratory system that function in gas exchange; these include:


resting mammary gland

same as inactive mammary gland


rete testis

channel lined with simple cuboidal epithelium that extends from the tubuli recti


reticular cell

1)this stellate cell has long processes usually attached to the reticular fibers; the processes cover "reticular fibers" which are the collagenous stroma of the lymph node
2)"adventitial cell"; may function as antigen-presenting cell
3)cell of the bone marrow which provides support for developing blood cells


reticular fiber

connective tissue element composed of collagen III; provides supporting framework for various tissues


reticulocyte

same as polychromatophilic erythrocyte


retina

structure within the eye responsible for photoreception; consists of several layers (outer to inner):


ribosome

cellular structure responsible for translating mRNA message into protein product


rod

photoreceptor of the retina responsible for black/white vision


Rokitansky-Aschoff sinus

invagination of the gallbladder mucosa that allows for bacterial aggregation, and hence infection


rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)

long, winding organelle which is studded with ribosomes involved in producing proteins bound for secretion or plasma membrane integration


ruffled border

extensions of the membrane of the osteoclast involved in resorption of bony matrix


rugae

longitudinal folds of the inner stomach


sarcolemma

plasma membrane of myofibers


sarcomere

banded arrangement of myofilaments which is the basic contractile unit in striated muscle


sarcoplasm

cytoplasm of muscle cells


sarcoplasmic reticulum

smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER) of skeletal, cardiac, and visceral striated muscle (i.e. pharynx, tongue, and diaphragm) especially suited for sequestration/release of calcium


satellite cell

1)cell that gives rise to new muscle cells upon injury to muscle tissue
2)supporting cell of nerve cell bodies located in ganglia


scala media

middle compartment of the cochlear canal; houses the basilar membrane and organ of Corti


scala tympani

lowest compartment of the cochlear canal


scala vestibuli

uppermost compartment of the cochlear canal


Schmidt-Lantermann cleft

space within the myelin sheath containing Schwann cell cytoplasm


Schwann cell

supporting cell of the peripheral nervous system; forms the myelin sheath


sclera

opaque layer of dense connective tissue covering the eye around the cornea


sebaceous gland

gland of the epidermis that secretes an oily coat which provides barrier and bacteriostatic function


sebaceous gland of Zeis

oil gland associated with eyelashes


secondary center of ossification

center of bone deposition after birth; located in the upper epiphysis


secondary follicle

see folliculogenesis


secretory phase of the endometrium

see endometrium


secretory vesicle

bud from the trans Golgi containing proteins bound for secretion


seminal colliculus

pyramid-shaped region between the prostatic sinuses


seminiferous tubule

highly tortuous structure within which male germ cells begin development


septa

connective tissue within the parenchyma of an organ (i.e. thymus, in which septa emerge from the capsule into the parenchyma)


serosa

a mesothelium and its underlying connective tissue


serous acinus

circular arrangement of serous-secreting cells


serous cell

cell that secretes a watery fluid


serous demilune

a half moon-shaped structure attached to a mucus gland which produces serous secretions


serous gland

a gland whose secretions are watery rather than organic


serous-secreting cell

see serous cell


Sertoli cell

columnar cells within the seminiferous tubule; nourishes the developing germ cell and protects them from antibodies by forming the blood-testis barrier; also phagocytoses residual bodies


simple columnar epithelium

a single layer of columnar cells typically lining the digestive system; ideal for absorption


simple cuboidal epithelium

a single layer of cuboidal cells typically lining ducts (i.e. exocrine ducts, kidney tubules, etc.)


simple squamous epithelium

a single layer of squamous cells; found in lining of body cavities, blood vessels, respiratory surfaces, and kidney elements; ideal for both barrier and gas exchange function


sinusoid

see sinusoidal capillaries


sinusoidal capillary

capillary whose basement membrane is not fully adjoined and whose endothelial cells maintain an intercellular distance; found in liver, spleen, and bone marrow

sinusoidal lining cell

endothelial cells which line sinusoids of the bone marrow


skeletal muscle

voluntary, striated muscle which allows for body movement via rapid contractions; the striations result from the banded pattern of the sarcomere


slit membrane

thin membrane covering the slit pores; influences filtration


slit pore

space between the foot processes of podocytes


small granule cell

APUD cell of the respiratory epithelium


smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER)

tubular organelle involved in:


smooth muscle

involuntary, non-striated muscle; allows for slow, prolonged contraction


smooth muscle cell

cell which resides in and secretes the matrix of smooth muscle; communicates with other smooth muscle cells via gap junctions


somatotrope

acidophilic cell of the adenohypophysis which produces growth hormone (GH)


space of Disse

space between the basal surfaces of the hepatocytes and the basal surfaces of endothelial cells and Kupffer cells; region of hepatocyte-blood exchange; also houses the lipocytes


specific granule

container for antibacterial agents, such as lysozyme; present in the granulocytes


sperm

same as spermatozoa


spermatid

see early and late spermatid


spermatocyte


spermatocytogenesis

the process of spermatocyte formation; occurs in the seminiferous tubule


spermatogenesis

the process of spermatozoan development from spermatogonia; occurs in the seminiferous tubule


spermatogonium

diploid stem cell of the male germ line


spermatozoan

male germ cells; equipped with flagella which allows it to travel to oocyte for fertilization


spermiogenesis

the development of spermatids into fully mature spermatozoa; begins in the seminiferous tubule and continues through the epididymis


sphincter pupillae muscle

muscle of the iris which constricts the pupil


spiral artery

vessel of the uterine lining which undergoes structural changes during the menstrual cycle; see endometrium


spiral ganglion

group of nerve cell bodies located in the modiolus; responsible for auditory reception


spiral ligament

structure located along the lateral cochlear wall; it is a thickening of the periosteum in that region


splenic cord

component of the spleen which consists of reticular cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and granulocytes; located in the red pulp


splenic nodule

areas of the splenic white pulp housing B-lymphocytes


splenic sinus

areas between splenic cords; located in the red pulp


spongy bone

also known as "cancellous bone"; bone consisting of many trabecular formations; houses much blood supply


spongy urethra

the part of the urethra within the penis


squamocolumnar junction

area which is a transition between the stratified squamous epithelium of the exocervix and the simple columnar epithelium of the endocervix; the area where the former epithelium overtakes the latter is known as the transformation zone


squamous cell

a cell whose width dimension is greater than its height


stem cell

any cell that serves as a precursor for another, i.e. the basal cell of epithelia


stereocilium

unusually long microvilli present only in the epididymis and hair cells of the ear


stratified columnar epithelium

a multilayer of columnar epithelial cells; serves well as a barrier or in duct-lining


stratified cuboidal epithelium

multilayer of cuboidal cells that lines sweat glands and ducts and some ducts of exocrine glands; serves well as barrier and conduit (duct-lining)


stratified squamous epithelium

multilayer of squamous cells; lining of oral cavity, esophagus, epidermis, and vagina; serves as a barrier and protective layer


stratified squamous keratinized epithelium

see epidermis


stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium

the lining of the vagina and the oral surface of the lip


stratum basalis

1) see epidermis
2) see endometrium


stratum corneum

see epidermis


stratum functionalis

see endometrium


stratum granulosum

see epidermis


stratum lucidum

see epidermis


stratum spinosum

see epidermis


stria vascularis

located on lateral cochlear wall; site of endolymph synthesis


striated border

the brush border of the intestines


striated duct

same as intralobular duct


stroma

the supporting tissue of an organ; consists of various connective tissue elements; see also parenchyma


subcapsular sinus

see cortical sinus


subendothelial layer of connective tissue

1) layer beneath the endocardium; houses the conduction system of the heart
2) inner layer of the tunica intima


sublingual gland

gland located in the floor of the mouth; most are mucous glands some of which house serous demilunes


submandibular gland

gland located on either side of the floor of the mouth; are mostly serous glands and some mucous glands


submucosa

a stabilizing layer of dense irregular connective tissue below the mucosa; provides resistance to shearing forces


subpericardial adipose tissue

grouping of adipocytes beneath the pericardium


supporting cell

same as sustentacular cell


suppressor T-lymphocyte

a cell which suppresses B-lymphocytes activity to prevent a hyperimmune response


surfactant

phospholipid released by type II pneumocytes which prevents collapse of the alveolus


suspensory ligament

fiber connecting the lens to the ciliary body; allow for ciliary muscle control of the lens


sustentacular cell

columnar cell that provides nutritional support to olfactory cells


synapse

space between an axon and its target (neurons or effector cells)


syncytiotrophoblast

part of the trophoblast of the blastocyst; multinucleate layer that embeds into the endometrium


T tubule

internal extension of the plasma membrane in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells which allow for rapid calcium entry (necessary for contraction)


tarsal gland

also known as Meibomian glands; long sebaceous glands of the tarsal plates


tarsal plate

flexible support of the eyelid; consists of dense fibrous and elastic tissue


taste bud

specialized group of cells within the papillae of the dorsal tongue; allow for various forms of taste


tectorial membrane

structure overlying the organ of Corti which is involved in producing a shearing effect on the hair cells upon vibration; this process stimulates the hair cells, leading to sound perception


tendinocyte

elongated cell with invisible cytoplasm and flattened, poorly-stained, nucleus; appears in the tendon and is positioned in a very regular pattern of rows between parallel bundles of collagen fibers; makes fibers and ground substance of the tendon


tendon

dense regular connective tissue which joins muscle to bone


teniae coli

smooth muscle bands on the outer surface of the colon (large intestine); three of these strips can be seen macroscopically


terminal bar

light microscopy term for the junctional complex


terminal bronchiole

see bronchiole


terminal web

a horizontal network of actin filaments that crosses with the vertical microvillar actin filaments to grant support, and perhaps contractile ability


territorial matrix

proteoglycan-rich matrix directly adjacent to the lacuna of a chondrocyte (or isogenous group)


testosterone

see Leydig cells


theca externa

outer layer of connective tissue surrounding the growing follicle; contains many smooth muscle cells


theca interna

inner layer of the connective tissue sheath surrounding the maturing follicle; highly vascularized; secrete androgens that are converted by granulosa cells to estrogen


theca lutein cell

cell of the corpus luteum derived from the theca interna


thick filament

see myosin


thin filament

see actin


thin segment

the thin, bottom portion of the loop of Henle


thrombopoiesis

the process of clot formation


thymus cortex

see cortex


thymus medulla

see medulla


thyroid gland

produces triiodothyronine and thyroxine which are responsible for aspects of metabolism, growth, etc.


thyrotrope

acidophilic cell of the adenohypophysis; produces thyrotropic hormone (TSH)


tissue

a group of cells with a common structure and function(s)


tissue absorptive cell

see absorptive cell


T-lymphocyte

see lymphocyte


trabeculum

1) connected spicules which form a meshwork in spongy bone
2) connective tissue that extends from the capsule into the substance of the lymph node or spleen; houses various vessels, including the trabecular artery and vein


trabeculum of spleen

see trabeculae


trabecular artery

see trabeculae


trabecular vein

see trabeculae


trachea

air conducting tube which branches into the left and right bronchi; the bronchi further divide into secondary and tertiary bronchi, and bronchioles, in that order


transformation zone

see squamocolumnar junction


transitional epithelium

cellular layer capable of undergoing a change in its property (i.e. shape of dome cells of the bladder)


tropocollagen

another name for the collagen molecule


tropomyosin

double helix protein which covers myosin-binding sites on actin filaments


troponin

protein which is connected to tropomyosin and along with it, block the myosin-binding site on the actin filament


tubuli recti

small channels leading away from the seminiferous tubules; lined only by Sertoli cells


tunica adventitia

connective tissue tissue layer on the outside of arteries and veins which houses nerves, vessels, and much adipose


tunica albuginea

1)thick outer connective tissue covering of the testis
2)a dense fibroelastic sheath surrounding the erectile tissue of the penis
3)dense connective tissue layer located beneath the germinal epithelium of the ovary


tunica intima

innermost layer of vessels; consists of the endothelium and a subendothelial layer of connective tissue


tunica media

intermediate layer of vessels; has much smooth muscle and connective tissue


type I pneumocyte

squamous cell that lines most of the alveolar surface


type II pneumocyte

cuboidal cell that is part of the alveolar lining; secretes surfactant


umbilical artery

maternal vessel whose branches pass into the villi and exchange material with the fetal circulation


unmyelinated axon

those lacking a myelin sheath; are relatively slow in conduction


urethra

a channel originating in the bladder that delivers semen and urine through the penis


urinary pole of the renal corpuscle

the pole of the renal corpuscle continuous with the proximal convoluted tubule


urinary space

space between the visceral and parietal layers of Bowman's capsule; site of filtrate delivery


uterine discharge

menstrual flow; composed of epithelial cells and blood


uterine gland

glands of the uterine mucosa; see endometrium


uterine stroma

see stroma


uterus

female reproductive organ which houses and supports the developing embryo


vagina

fibromuscular tube opening into the cervix; lined with stratified squamous epithelium


valve

a structure within blood and lymph vessels that prevents backflow


vasa recta

the vessels that supply and exchange substances with the tubular network of a juxtamedullary nephron


vasa vasorum

blood supply located in the tunica adventitia


vascular pole of renal corpuscle

the entry/exit point of the afferent arteriole and efferent arteriole, respectively, from the renal corpuscle


vascular space

opening within erectile tissue lined by endothelial cells; allows for profuse blood flow during erection


vein

vessel which carries oxygen-poor blood away from tissues to the heart


venous sinus

venous channel of the cranial cavity lined with endothelial cells


ventricular fold

mucosal fold of the larynx located above the vocal folds; important in resonance


venule

small vessel carrying deoxygenated blood; located between a capillary and a small vein


vessel

see blood vessel


vestibular membrane

also known as "Reissner's membrane"; the upper wall of the scala media


villus

1) finger-like extension of the mucosa of the small intestine

2) see chorionic villus


visceral pleura

see serosa


vitreous cavity

space containing the vitreous humor of the eye


vitreous humor

gel-like substance that fills the posterior portion of the eye; gives the eye its shape


vocal fold

two folds of musoca within the larynx; vibrations of these folds produce sound pitch


Volkmann's canal

channel which allows passage of blood vessels and nerves from the periosteal layer to the Haversian canals


von Ebner's gland

serous gland at the base of papillae that wash away food particles


wandering cell

a cell that can travels distances to execute their function; i.e. lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes


white blood cell

a cell of the immune system; known also as leukocyte


white pulp

area of the spleen rich in lymphocytes


Z line

see Z-disk


Z-disk

anchoring area for actin filaments in the sarcomere


zona fasciculata

middle zone of the adrenal cortex composed of cord-like arrangement of cells; site of glucocorticoid production; glucocorticoids function in:


zona glomerulosa

outer zone of the adrenal cortex; cells here secrete mineralocorticoids (i.e. aldosterone), which function in the resorption of sodium at the expense of potassium


zona pellucida

acidophilic layer between the oocyte and adjacent follicular cells; first appears in the primary follicle


zona reticularis

the innermost zone of the adrenal cortex; produces weak androgens and some glucocorticoids


zone of calcified cartilage

layer where chondrocytes degenerate due to calcification of matrix; see calcified cartilage


zone of hypertrophy

layer of massive chondrocytes containing large stores of glycogen


zone of proliferation

layer of large chondrocytes undergoing active growth and division


zone of reserve cartilage

layer of little cellular growth or matrix production


zone of resorption

layer closest to shaft of bone; cartilage is actively digested by osteoclasts here


zonula adherens

relatively weak band-like intercellular adhesion on lateral cell surface


zonula occludens

lateral surface cellular adhesion which serves as a diffusion barrier


zymogen granule

acidophilic granule containing secretory products in their inactive forms, i.e. granules of the pancreatic acinar cells contain trysinogen, chymotrypsinogen, etc.



  Contact: Wojciech Pawlina, MD / pawlina@anatomy.med.ufl.edu
  Version: Version 1.0 / Produced by Thomas George, MD & Fawad Ahmed (Class of 2001)
 Location: http://www.medinfo.ufl.edu/year1/histo/GLOSSARY.html
  Updated: Diciembre 5 1998