Quizlet: Access ALL of our Nursing Quizlet materials. Please include your email address or phone number so we can send you a link to join! [̲̅$̲̅(̲̅15)̲̅$̲̅]
Hey there! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of cells and tissues, the building blocks of life. Understanding these tiny units can give us a big picture of how our bodies function and how diseases start. Ready? Let’s go!
Eukaryotic cells, like ours, have a nucleus and organelles, which are like little ‘organs’ inside the cell. Think of them as a busy office with different departments. In contrast, prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, are simpler and lack these compartments. Inside our cells is a jelly-like substance called protoplasm, composed of water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes. The nucleus serves as the control center, housing DNA, while the cytoplasm acts as the workspace containing various organelles, including mitochondria (the power plants), ribosomes (the protein factories), and lysosomes (the recycling centers).
Protein production in cells is carried out by ribosomes, which create essential proteins using instructions from RNA. Mitochondria convert nutrients into energy (ATP), keeping the cell powered up. Lysosomes play a crucial role in waste management by breaking down waste and worn-out cell parts, ensuring the cell stays clean and functional. Cells communicate through signals and grow by dividing, allowing the body to repair and renew itself.
Groups of cells working together form tissues, each with specific functions. Epithelial tissue covers and lines surfaces, providing protection and forming glands. Connective tissue supports and connects different parts of the body, including bones, blood, and fat. Muscle tissue is responsible for movement and includes three types: skeletal (voluntary movement), cardiac (heart), and smooth (involuntary actions like digestion). Nervous tissue forms the communication network, consisting of neurons and glial cells that transmit signals throughout the body.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is like the scaffolding that holds cells together. It is made of proteins and polysaccharides, providing support and facilitating communication between cells. Cells are glued together by tight junctions, adhering junctions, and gap junctions, ensuring they stay put and function correctly. Stem cells are the body’s raw materials, capable of becoming various cell types and crucial for growth and repair. During embryonic development, all tissues originate from three layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
Understanding cells and tissues gives us insight into the incredible complexity of our bodies. Each cell type and tissue plays a unique role, working together to keep us healthy and functioning. From the tiny mitochondria powering our cells to the expansive network of nerves transmitting signals, it’s a remarkable system that highlights the beauty of biology. So next time you think about your body, remember the incredible teamwork happening at the microscopic level, keeping you alive and thriving!