Pathophysiology - Functional Components of the Cell

Functional Components of the Cell
The Plasma (Cell) Membrane
The Nucleus
The Cytoplasm and Its Organelles
Ribosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum, and Golgi
Apparatus
Lysosomes
Peroxisomes
Proteasomes
Mitochondria
The Cytoskeleton
Microtubules
Microfilaments
Cell Metabolism and Energy Storage
Anaerobic Metabolism
Aerobic Metabolism
Integration of Cell Function
Cell Communication Mechanisms
Cell Surface Receptors
Intracellular Receptors
Membrane Transport Mechanisms
Diffusion
Active Transport
Vesicular Transport
Generation of Membrane Potentials
Body Tissues
Embryonic Origin of Tissue Types
Epithelial Tissue
Simple Epithelium
Stratified and Pseudostratified Epithelium
Glandular Epithelium
Epithelial Cell Renewal
Connective Tissue
Loose Connective Tissue
Adipose Tissue
Reticular and Dense Connective Tissue
Muscle Tissue
Skeletal Muscle
Smooth Muscle
Nervous Tissue
Extracellular Tissue Components
Cell Junctions
Extracellular Matrix

Cell Adhesion Molecules

 Although diverse in their organization, all eukaryotic
cells (cells with a true nucleus) have in common structures
that perform unique functions. Seen under a light
microscope, three major components of the eukaryotic
cell become evident: the plasma membrane, the nucleus,

and the cytoplasm (Fig. 1-1).

The living part of the cell is called protoplasm. Protoplasm
is composed of water, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates,
and electrolytes. Two distinct regions of protoplasm
exist in the cell: the cytoplasm, which lies outside the
nucleus, and the nucleoplasm, which lies inside the
nucleus. The bulk of the cytoplasm is water, in which
inorganic and organic chemicals are dissolved. This fluid
suspension is called the cytosol. The cytosol contains
membrane-enclosed compartments or organelles that
perform distinctive functions. In addition to the
organelles, the cytosol contains a system of tubules and
filaments known as the cytoskeleton that maintains the
shapes of cells and their ability to move. Cells also contain
inclusions, which consist of metabolic by-products,
storage forms of various nutrients, and inert crystals and

pigments.