Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Tissues & Histology

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Introduction to Tissues & Histology

Previous problemNext problem

Problem L2.5

Textbook Question

Why do you think the rate of cell division is different for different tissues? Where in the body would you expect to find cells that have a rapid rate of division? Where might you find cells that have a slow rate of division? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of cell division: Cell division is the process by which cells replicate to produce new cells. It is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. Different tissues have varying rates of cell division based on their function and the need for renewal.

Identify tissues with rapid cell division: Tissues that experience frequent wear and tear or need constant renewal typically have a high rate of cell division. Examples include epithelial cells in the skin, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow cells responsible for producing blood cells.

Identify tissues with slow cell division: Tissues that are more stable and do not require frequent renewal tend to have a slower rate of cell division. Examples include neurons in the brain, cardiac muscle cells, and skeletal muscle cells, which are specialized and have limited regenerative capacity.

Explain the biological reasoning: Rapidly dividing cells are often found in areas exposed to environmental stress or damage, such as the skin or digestive tract, to maintain tissue integrity. Conversely, tissues with specialized functions, like neurons, prioritize maintaining their structure and function over frequent division.

Relate the concept to physiology: The rate of cell division is influenced by factors such as the tissue's role in the body, exposure to damage, and the need for repair or replacement. This ensures that the body allocates resources efficiently to maintain homeostasis and functionality.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cell Division Rates

Cell division rates vary significantly among different tissues due to the specific functions and demands of those tissues. Rapidly dividing cells are often found in tissues that require constant renewal, such as skin and intestinal lining, while slower division rates are typical in tissues like muscle and nerve cells, which are more specialized and have longer lifespans.

Tissue Types

The body is composed of four primary tissue types: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue. Each type has distinct characteristics and roles, influencing their cell division rates. For instance, epithelial tissues, which cover surfaces and line cavities, tend to have high turnover rates, while connective tissues may have slower rates due to their structural roles.

Regulatory Mechanisms

Cell division is tightly regulated by various mechanisms, including growth factors, hormones, and the cell cycle checkpoints. These regulatory factors ensure that cells divide only when necessary, which explains the differences in division rates across tissues. For example, stem cells in bone marrow divide rapidly to produce new blood cells, while differentiated cells in the brain divide infrequently.