Epithelial cells

Question 1

Simple Squamous

Answer 1

§ Components
□ Single layer of flat cells
□ Flattened, central nuclei
§ Function
□ Provides a barrier through which gases and fluids can be exchanged
□ Produces serous fluid
§ Location
□ Air sacs of lungs
□ Inner lining of ventral body cavities and blood vessels
□ Certain parts of kidney

Question 2

Simple Cuboidal

Answer 2

§ Components
□ Single layer of cube-shaped cells
□ Round, central nuclei
§ Function
□ Absorption
□ Secretion of mucus and other substances
§ Location
□ Kidney tubules
□ Lower respiratory passages
□ Thyroid, salivary, and mammary glands

Question 3

Simple Columnar

Answer 3

§ Components
□ Single layer of rectangular cells
Ovoid, basal nuclei
§ Function
□ Absorption
□ Secretion of mucus and other substances
□ Propulsion of egg through uterine tube
§ Location
□ Digestive tract from stomach to anus
□ Uterine tube
□ Gallbladder
□ Certain kidney tubules

Question 4

Pseudostratified Columnar

Answer 4

§ Components
□ Single layer of columnar cells of different heights, giving a stratified appearance
□ Cilia
§ Function
□ Secretes mucus and propels it with ciliary motion
§ Location
□ Nasal cavity
□ Parts of male urethra
□ Upper respiratory passages

Question 5

Stratified Squamous Keratinized

Answer 5

□ Components
Multiple layers of squamous cells:
® Apical cells dead, flaky, and filled with keratin
® Cuboidal to squamous- shaped basal cells
□ Function
® Protection from mechanical stresses and microorganisms
® Prevents most water loss through skin
□ Location
® Epidermis

Question 6

SSN - Stratified squamous nonkeratinized

Answer 6

□ Components
® Apical cells living and very flat
® Cells more cuboidal toward basal layers
□ Function
® Protection from mechanical stresses and microorganisms
□ Location
® Mouth, pharynx, superior larynx, esophagus
® Vagina + Anal canal

Question 7

Stratified Cuboidal

Answer 7

§ Components
□ Two or more layers of cuboidal cells
§ Function
□ Some absorption and secretion
§ Location
Ducts of sweat glands

Question 8

Transitional

Answer 8

§ Components
□ Multiple layers of cells
□ Apical cells are dome-shaped when relaxed and flatten when stretched
§ Function
□ Protection
□ Gives tissues added distensibility - (ability to swell from inside)
§ Location
□ Urinary bladder
□ Ureter
□ Urethra

Question 9

Epithelial glands

Answer 9

○ Synthesises and secretes proteins
○ Endocrine - secrete directly into bloodstream, widespread effects
Exocrine - secrete fluids into ducts that open onto epithelial tissue eg sweat, saliva, mucus, Local effects

Question 10

Stratified columnar

Answer 10

§ Components
□ Two or more layers of columnar cells
§ Function
□ Protection
□ Some absorption and secretion
§ Location
□ Ducts of certain glands
□ Cornea
Parts of male urethra