Epithelial tissue

Question 1

Epithelial tissue structure and function

Answer 1

• Covers body surfaces; body cavities and tubes
• Form secretory tissues (glands and their ducts)
• Are receptors (hearing, taste, smell, vision)

Question 2

Summary of the characteristics of an epithelium

Answer 2

1. Cells are closely packed together and adhere to one another using junctional complexes
2. Cells are polarized i.e. they have an apex (or apical surface) that opens onto an open space, lateral border and a base
3. The base of the cell is firmly attached to an underlying basement membrane

Question 3

How are epithelia classified?

Answer 3

Number of cell layers

Question 4

Basement membranes fx

Answer 4

• Attachment to underlying tissue
• Separation of tissues
• Filtration
• Scaffold and guidance (repair)
• Cell signaling

Question 5

Form strong bonding/cohesions

Answer 5

Lateral surfaces

Question 6

Increase surface area for exchanges across
the basal surface of the cell to underlying
connective tissue

Answer 6

Basal surfaces

Question 7

Surface modifications

Answer 7

Microvilli, stereocilia, cilia