Epithelia Flashcards
What is the relationship between epithelial function and breast cancer?
Caused by abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells
What is the relationship between epithelial function and cystic fibrosis (CF)?
Caused by defective epithelial chloride ion transport
What is the relationship between epithelial function and cholera?
Caused by enhanced activation of epithelial chloride ion transport in GI tract
What is the relationship between epithelial function and atherosclerosis?
Caused by superficial injury to epithelial lining of blood vessels > atherosclerosis
What are epithelia?
+ Cells that cover or line all the body surfaces, tubes and cavities
+ Cells that form the interfaces between different physiological fluid compartments
- skin (blood tissues and environment)
- blood vessel wall (blood and tissues)
- gut wall (gut and blood)
- lungs, alveoli (air and blood)
What are characteristics of epithelia?
+ Cells in intimate contact with each other and may be connected by tight junctions
+ Epithelial cells are separated from underlying tissues by the basement membrane (BM)
+ Cells undergo rapid division to replace those continually lost from the surface
What is the term for tumours that develop from epithelial cells?
Carcinoma
What are the basic features of epithelial cells?
+ Apex
+ Base
+ Basement membrane (BM)
What are the different shapes of epithelial cells?
+ Squamous
+ Cuboidal
+ Columnar
What are features of simple epithelia?
+ 1 layer of cells
+ All cells in direct contact with lumen and BM
+ Found at sites in the body where there is:
- diffusion
- absorption
- secretion
What are features of stratified epithelia?
+ Multiple layers of cells
+ Cells in contact with BM = basal
+ Cells in contact with apex = apical
+ Found at sites of the body where there is need for protection
What is the advantage of thin epithelium?
The thinner the epithelium, the quicker diffusion or absorption can occur
What is the advantage of thick epithelium?
The thicker the epithelium the greater the protection from abrasion, infection or caustic content
Where can simple squamous epithelium be found?
Blood vessels
Where can simple cuboidal epithelium be found?
Kidney tubule
Where can simple columnar epithelium be found?
GI tract
Where can stratified squamous epithelium be found?
Skin
Where can stratified cuboidal epithelium be found?
Reproductive system
Where can pseudostratified columnar epithelium be found?
Respiratory system
Where can transitional epithelium be found?
Bladder