Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

BIOSCI 107 Part One > Cells and Tissues: Epithelial Tissue > Flashcards

Cells and Tissues: Epithelial Tissue Flashcards

1
Q

Epithelial Tissue description

A

tissue that covers body surfaces, lines hollow organs, cavities and ducts, and forms glands

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Cell junction definition

A

are contact points between the plasma membrane of tissue cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Types of cell junctions

A

Tight junctions, Adherens junctions, Gap junctions, desmosomes and hemidesmosomes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Key functions of epithelial tissues

A 
Selective Barriers (limit uptake of anything into the interior or aid transfer)
Secretory (onto a free surface)
Protective (it is the interface to the outside - also protects against abrasion)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Apical surface definition

A

the surface of an epithelial cell that is exposed to the body exterior or to the cavity of an internal organ

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Lateral surface definition

A

the surface of an epithelial cell that is adjacent to other cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Basal surface definition

A

is the bottom surface of an epithelial cell that is adjacent to the basement membrane

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Types of Lateral junctions

A

Tight junction, Adherens junction, Gap junction and Desmosome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Types of Basal Junctions

A

Hemidesmosome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Microfilaments definition

A

are bundles of protein beneath the cell membrane and the cytoplasm eg. Actin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Microfilament function

A

To give cells strength, alter cell shape (act as cell skeleton), link the cytoplasm to the cell membrane, connect cells together, allow cell movement and muscle contraction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Intermediate filament

A

are a type of cytoskeletal element made of multiple strands of fibrous proteins wound together. These are thicker than microfilaments and made of proteins like keratin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Intermediate filament function

A

to provide strength to cell and allow materials to move through the cytoplasm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Lumen definition

A

the central cavity of a tubular or other hollow structure in an organism or cell (apical surface of a cell faces this)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Tight junction definition

A

a lateral junction that is made of individual sealing strands of transmembrane proteins. These join the cytoskeletons of adjacent cells and the more strands of transmembrane proteins = the tighter the junction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Where are tight junctions mainly found?

A

In the epithelial tissue that lines the stomach, intestines and urinary bladder

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

The main binding transmembrane proteins in tight junctions

A

Claudins and occludins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Adherens junction definition

A

a lateral junction that has a plaque layer of proteins on the inside of the cell to join actin to cadherins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Tight junction function

A

To maintain cell polarity by preventing the movement of ions and proteins between apical and basal surfaces of cells (they are electrically tight)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Cadherin definition

A

a transmembrane glycoprotein that joins cells together in adherens junctions and desmosomes. These insert into the plaque on the opposite side of the plasma membrane, crossing the intercellular space

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Plaque definition

A

a dense layer of proteins on the inside of the plasma membrane that attaches membrane proteins and microfilaments to the cytoskeleton

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Adhesion belt definition

A

The extensive adherens junctions in epithelial cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Catenins definition

A

a protein that links the Cadherins to Actin in adherens junctions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Actin definition

A

a microfilament in the cytoplasm of the cell

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Adherens junction function

A

to prevent cell separation from tension forces like in contractions (eg. when food moves through the intestines)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Desmosome definition

A

a lateral junction that has a plaque layer on the inside to join keratin to cadherins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Keratin function in desmosomes

A

To given the cell structural integrity as keratin spans from one desmosome to another on the other side of the cell

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Desmosome function

A

to prevent cells from separating/ pulling apart

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Where are desmosomes mainly found?

A

In the epidermis (to stop separation from tension) and in cardiac muscle cells in the heart (to stop cells pulling apart during contraction)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Gap junction definition

A

a lateral junction that contains proteins that allow for communication between cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Connexin definition

A

a membrane protein that forms connexons or hemichannels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Connexon/hemichannel definition

A

consists of 6 connexin protein molecules that make up a gap junction. These are closed and open when docked to a connexon of another cell.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Gap junction function

A

To allow small molecules and ions to diffuse from one cell to another. It also allows direct communication between cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Hemidesmosome definition

A

a basal/basolateral junction that has a plaque layer and has transmembrane glycoproteins (integrin) that attach to the keratin of the cytoskeleton and the laminin of the basement membrane

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Hemidesmosome function

A

to connect the epithelial cells to the basement membrane

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Integrin definition

A

a transmembrane glycoprotein that links the keratin to laminin in hemidesmosomes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Laminin definition

A

a protein that is present in the basement membrane

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Junctional complex definition

A

a combination of a tight junction, adherens junction and a desmosome

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Basement membrane definition

A

is a thin extracellular layer that separates the epithelium from deeper tissue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

The parts of the basement membrane

A

the basal lamina and the reticular lamina

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Basal lamina definition

A

is the layer (in the basement membrane) closest to and secreted by the epithelial cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What is contained in the basal lamina layer of the basement membrane?

A

Proteins like collagen, laminin and glycoproteins and proteoglycans

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Reticular lamina definition

A

the layer (of the basement membrane) closer to and produced by the connective tissue cells called fibroblasts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Fibroblast definition

A

collagen produced by connective tissue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

What is contained in the reticular lamina layer of the basement membrane?

A

fibrous proteins such as collagen and fibronectin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Do epithelia have nerves or blood vessels?

A

Epithelia has nerves but is avascular (does not contain blood vessels). It exchanges nutrients and wastes through diffusion with blood vessels in adjacent connective tissue cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Basement membrane function

A

To support the overlying epithelium
Provide a surface where epithelial cells can migrate during growth or wound healing (wounds disrupt epithelia and BM and need to be reconstituted during healing)
Acts as a physical barrier (especially for malignant melanoma)
Participates in the filtration of substances in the kidney

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Metastasis definition

A

the growth of cancer in other secondary areas (the chance of this increases if malignant melanoma penetrates the basement membrane)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

ABCD for melanoma

A

Asymmetry, border irregularity, colour and diameter

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Two types of epithelial tissue

A

Covering/lining epithelia and glandular epithelia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Types of covering/lining epithelia

A

the outer coverings of skin and some internal organs
the inner linings of blood vessels, ducts, cavities and the interior of the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

What is glandular epithelia?

A

the epithelia that constitute the secretory portion of glands

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

How are covering and lining epithelia classified?

A

by the arrangement of cells in layers and the shapes of the cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Simple definition (in epithelia)

A

a single layer of cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Simple epithelium function

A

diffusion, osmosis, filtration, secretion and absorption

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Stratified definition (in epithelia)

A

two or more layers of cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Stratified epithelium function

A

to protect underlying tissue in locations where damage may occur (considerable wear and tear)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Pseudostratified definition (in epithelia)

A

appears to have multiple layers of cells because the nuclei of the different cells are in different layers but because all cells connect to basement membrane it is in fact simple epithelium. Not all cells reach the apical surface

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

Goblet cells definition

A

Pseudostratified columnar cells that swell up with mucus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

Pseudostratified epithelium function

A

Secretion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

Secretion definition

A

the production and release of substances like mucus, sweat or enzymes

62
Q

Absorption definition

A

the intake of fluids or other substances such as digested food from the intestinal tract

63
Q

Squamous definition (in epithelia)

A

flat and thin cells

64
Q

Squamous epithelium cell function

A

allow rapid passage of substances through them (diffusion)

65
Q

Cuboidal definition (in epithelia)

A

cells that are as tall as they are wide

66
Q

Cuboidal epithelium cell function

A

secretion and absorption

67
Q

Columnar definition (in epithelia)

A

cells that are more tall than wide

68
Q

Columnar epithelium cell function

A

protect underlying tissue as well as secretion and absorption

69
Q

Transitional definition (in epithelia)

A

a stratified epithelium where cells change from stratified cuboidal (in relaxed state except apical layer which is large and rounded) to stratified squamous (when cells are stretched)

70
Q

Transitional epithelium cells location

A

In the urinary bladder where they stretch to a larger size then collapse back into a smaller size

71
Q

Transitional epithelium function

A

to allow urinary organs to stretch and maintain protective lining while holding variable amounts of fluid without rupturing

72
Q

Simple squamous epithelium description

A

is the most delicate epithelium that is made from a single layer of flat cells (like a tiled floor when viewed from the apical surface). They have a flat nucleus

73
Q

Simple squamous epithelium function

A

Filtration (blood filtration in kidneys), diffusion (oxygen into blood vessels of the lung), secretion (outer layer of serous membranes)

74
Q

Mesothelium

A

a subtype of simple squamous epithelium
that covers the serous membranes (pericardial (outside heart cavity), pleural (lungs), peritoneal (gut) cavities) of an adult

75
Q

Endothelium

A

a subtype of simple squamous epithelium that lines the cardiovascular and lymphatic system (heart, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels)

76
Q

Simple squamous epithelium location

A

Kidney, the lining of cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, inside eye, alveoli of lungs, inside blood vessels and heart

77
Q

Simple cuboidal epithelium description

A

is a single layer of cube-shaped cells. They have a round nucleus

78
Q

Simple cuboidal epithelium function

A

secretion and absorption

79
Q

Simple cuboidal epithelium locations

A 
pancreas ducts
kidney tubules
Smaller ducts of many glands
Secretory chambers of thyroid
Anterior surface of lens of the eye
Pigmented epithelium at posterior of retina Secretory part of some glands like thyroid
80
Q

Microvilli definition

A

a large number of minute cytoplasmic projections from the surface of epithelium cells that are non-motile (no movement). They are notably found at the intestinal brush border and in the proximal convoluted tubule of the kidney

81
Q

Simple columnar epithelium description

A

a single layer of column-like cells that have more cytoplasm within them, therefore, has more organelles (more metabolically active than cuboidal cells). Can come in two forms: non-ciliated and ciliated. Simple columnar epithelium can have cilia or microvilli

82
Q

Non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium description

A

is a single layer of column-like cells that have microvilli on the apical surface for the increased surface area. Can contain goblet cells

83
Q

Non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium function

A

lubrication (mucus in goblet cells), absorption and secretion (high capacity than cuboidal cells due to more organelles)

84
Q

Non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium location

A

Lines gastrointestinal tract (from the stomach to the anus to prevent the destruction of the stomach lining from acidic gastric juice), the ducts of many glands and the gallbladder.

85
Q

Cilia definition

A

actively motile processes with a complex internal structure found on the epithelial lining of the respiratory tract and the female reproductive tract

86
Q

Ciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium description

A

is a single layer of column-like cells that have cilia on the apical surface. Can contain goblet cells

87
Q

Ciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium function

A

The cilia have synchronous movement which assists in moving mucus and foreign particles to the throat where they can be expelled. Can also move oocytes through uterine tube into the uterus

88
Q

Ciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium location

A

Some bronchioles (small tubes) of the respiratory tract, uterine tubes, some paranasal sinuses, the central canal of the spinal cord, ventricles of the brain

89
Q

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium description

A

appears to have several layers of column-like cells because of the nuclei not aligning, but all cells are attached to the basement membrane so it is actually simple epithelium. Can be ciliated or non-ciliated

90
Q

Ciliated- Pseudostratified columnar epithelium description

A

column-like cells that bear cilia or contain goblet cells

91
Q

Non-ciliated Pseudostratified columnar epithelium description

A

contains cells without cilia or goblet cells

92
Q

Ciliated- Pseudostratified columnar epithelium function and location

A

to secrete mucus that traps foreign particles and cilia sweep away mucus for elimination from the body in the respiratory tract

93
Q

Non-ciliated Pseudostratified columnar epithelium function and location

A

Absorption and protection in the ducts in glands, epididymis and male urethra

94
Q

Stratified squamous epithelium description

A

has two or more layers of flat cells in apical layer. Cells may become cuboidal or columnar in lower layers. Can be keratinised and non-keratinised

95
Q

Keratinised Stratified squamous epithelium description

A

Stratified squamous epithelium that has a tough layer of keratin in apical layers and several layers deep

96
Q

Non-keratinised Stratified squamous epithelium description

A

Stratified squamous epithelium that does not contain keratin and is moistened by mucus from salivary and mucous glands

97
Q

Keratinised Stratified squamous epithelium location

98
Q

Stratified squamous epithelium function

A

To protect against abrasion, water loss, ultraviolet radiation and foreign invasion. Both types are the first line of defence against microbes

99
Q

Non-keratinised Stratified squamous epithelium location

A

Wet surfaces (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, anus, and vagina) and the tongue

100
Q

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium description

A

has two or more layers or cells that look cube-shaped in apical layer (fairly rare)

101
Q

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium location

A

Ducts of adult sweat glands; esophageal glands, male urethra

102
Q

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium function

A

protection and has limited secretion and absorption abilities

103
Q

Stratified Columnar Epithelium description

A

only the apical layer has columnar cells. Lower layers consist of shortened and irregular shaped cells (RARE)

104
Q

Stratified Columnar Epithelium location

A

Part of urethra; some large gland ducts such as oesophageal glands; anal mucosal membrane, part of the conjunctiva of the eye

105
Q

Stratified Columnar Epithelium function

A

protection and secretion

106
Q

What does a gland consist of?

A

a single cell or a group of cells that secrete substances into ducts, onto a surface or into the blood.

107
Q

How are glands classified?

A

According to where they secrete their substances too

108
Q

Glandular epithelia function

109
Q

Endocrine Gland description

A

Secrete directly into the bloodstream without a duct usually traversing interstitial fluid

110
Q

Endocrine Gland function

A

Produces hormones that regulate many metabolic and physiological activities to maintain homeostasis

111
Q

Endocrine Gland location

A 
Pituitary Gland (at base of the brain)
Pineal Gland (inside brain)
Thyroid and parathyroid (near larynx)
Adrenal gland (above kidneys)
112
Q

Exocrine Gland description

A

Secretes into ducts that empty onto the surface of a covering or lining epithelium

113
Q

Exocrine gland function

A

produce substances such as sweat (regulate body temp), oil, earwax, saliva and digestive enzymes

114
Q

Exocrine Gland location

A

Sweat and salivary glands; oil glands; wax glands; pancreas

115
Q

Mucous cell (Single-cell gland) description

A

in epithelia, there are independent gland cells scattered around that secrete mucin. The apical cytoplasm is filled with large secretory vesicles that look clear or foamy

An example of this is the exocrine goblet cells

116
Q

Islets of Langerhans

A

Areas of pancreatic cells that produce insulin and glucagon

117
Q

Characteristics that describe multicellular glands

A

The structure of the duct
The structure of the secretory area
The relationship between the two

118
Q

Multicellular gland description

A

A gland composed of many cells

119
Q

Simple definition (glands)

A

A gland that has a single duct that does not divide in any way on its way to the gland cells

120
Q

Tubular definition (glands)

A

A gland whose glandular cells form tubes (straight or coiled)

121
Q

Branched definition (glands)

A

A gland with several secretory areas that share a duct (only used in simple glands)

122
Q

Acinar/aveolar definition (glands)

A

A gland whose secretory portion is rounded

123
Q

Compound definition (glands)

A

A gland whose duct divides one or more times on its way to the gland cells

124
Q

Tubuloalveolar definition (glands)

A

glands whose secretory cells form both tubes and sacs

125
Q

Simple tubular definition

A

A straight tubelike gland that opens directly onto the surface.

126
Q

Simple branched tubular definition

A

The tubular secretory part is branched and attaches to a single unbranched duct.

127
Q

Simple coiled tubular definition

A

The tubular secretory part is coiled and attached to a single unbranched duct

128
Q

Simple acinar definition

A

Secretory portion is rounded and attaches to a single unbranched duct

129
Q

Simple branched acinar definition

A

The rounded secretory part is branched and attaches to a single unbranched duct

130
Q

Compound tubular definition

A

Secretory portion is tubular and attaches to a branched duct

131
Q

Compound acinar definition

A

Secretory portion is rounded and attaches to a branched duct

132
Q

Compound tubuloalveolar definition

A

Secretory portion is both tubular and rounded and attaches to a branched duct

133
Q

Glands in the large intestine

A

Example of a simple tubular gland

134
Q

Gastric gland

A

Example of simple branched tubular gland

135
Q

Sweat gland

A

Example of a simple coiled tubular gland

136
Q

Glands of penile urethra

A

Example of a simple acinar gland

137
Q

Sebaceous gland

A

Example of a simple branched acinar gland

138
Q

Bulbourethral gland

A

Example of compound tubular gland

139
Q

Mammary gland

A

Example of a compound acinar gland

140
Q

Acinar glands of the pancreas

A

Examples of compound tubuloacinar glands

141
Q

Pineal gland

A

Produces melatonin, controls day/night cycle

142
Q

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland

A

Work together to control other endocrine glands, regulates growth and fluid balance

143
Q

Thyroid Gland

A

Produces hormones that regulate metabolism and calcium levels

144
Q

Parathyroid gland

A

Regulates calcium levels

145
Q

Thymus

A

Site of T cell maturation

146
Q

Adrenal glands

A

Secrete adrenaline (increases action in cardiovascular and respiratory systems), cortisol (regulates metabolism) and aldosterone (mineral balance)

147
Q

What is an apocrine gland?

A

Exocrine glands that have cytoplasm in their secretions. glands that accumulate their secretory product at the apical surface of the secreting cell. Then that portion pinches off by exocytosis from the rest of the cell to release the excretion. The cell repairs itself and repeats this process.

148
Q

Example of apocrine glands

A

Mammary gland

149
Q

What is a merocrine gland?

A

glands that secrete products by exocytosis during production (the majority of exocrine glands). Exocrine glands that secrete without losing cellular material.

150
Q

Example of the merocrine gland

A

Salivary and sweat glands, pancreas

151
Q

What is a holocrine gland?

A

Exocrine glands whose secretions are made up of disintegrated cells. glands that accumulate their secretory product in their cytosol. As cell matures, it ruptures and becomes the secretory product

152
Q

Example of a holocrine gland

A

Sebaceous gland in skin.

BIOSCI 107 Part One (12 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions