Epithelial tissue and cell surface specialisations Flashcards
definition of epithelia
sheets of contiguous cells of varied embryonic origin that cover the external surface of the body and line internal surfaces, including the body’s vessels
embryonic origins of epithelial cells
epithelial tissues are derived from all 3 embryological germ layers
ectoderm - e.g. epidermis
endoderm - e.g. inner and outer lining of GI tract
mesoderm - e.g. inner linings of body cavities
mesothelium
epithelium lining closed cavities such as peritoneal, pleural and pericardial cavities
endothelium
epithelium lining chambers of the heart and blood + lymph vessels
functions of epithelia
- protection
- secretion
- lubrication
- absorption
- reproduction
- sensation
- excretion
how are epithelia classified
- shape of individual cells (squamous, cuboidal, columnar)
- arrangement of cells into layers (simple, stratified/compound)
locations of simple squamous epithelium
- heart
- endothelium of blood and lymph vessels
- mesothelium of pleural and peritoneal cavities
- glomerulus
- Bowman’s capsule
functions of simple squamous epithelium
- lubrication - pericardium, pleural membranes, peritoneum/viscera (mesothelium)
- gas exchange - type 1 pneumocytes of pulmonary alveoli
- water, nutrient and waste product exchange - endothelial cells lining heart + capillaries
- barrier - bowman’s capsule, skin, oesophagus, conjunctivae of eye, brain
what is simple cuboidal epithelium
single layer of polygonal cells with equal height and width
functions of simple cuboidal epithelium
- absorption + conduit - exocrine glands
- absorption + secretion - kidney tubules
- barrier/covering - ovary
- hormone synthesis, storage + mobilisation - thyroid
locations of simple cuboidal epithelium
- exocrine gland ducts
- proximal kidney tubules
- parenchyma of glands
- thyroid gland follicles
- pancreatic duct
thyroid gland follicles
- simple cuboidal epithelium synthesise thyroglobulin and store in centre of follicle in a colloid
- follicle reprocesses thyroglobulin to thyroxine and releases into blood
what is simple columnar epithelium
single layer of cells whose heights are greater than their widths - nuclei close to basement membrane
locations of simple columnar epithelium
- stomach lining + gastric glands
- small intestine + colon (crypts of Lieberkuhn)
- gallbladder
- jejunum
functions of simple columnar epithelium
- absorption - small intestine, colon, gallbladder
- secretion - stomach lining + gastric glands, small intestine, colon
- lubrication - small intestine, colon
what are pseudostratified epithelia
all cells make contact with basement membrane but not all cells reach the epithelial cell surface so nuclei lie at different levels giving the impresssion of multiple cell layers
locations of pseudostratified epithelium
- lining of nasal cavity
- trachea
- bronchi
- upper respiratory tract
functions of pseudostratified epithelium
- secretion + conduit - respiratory tract, ductus deferens
- mucus secretion - respiratory tract
- particle trapping and removal - respiratory tract
goblet cells
- microvilli on apical surface instead of cilia
- release mucins by exocytosis
- water release increased by release of ions
- found in epithelium of upper respiratory tract + intestinal villus
cystic fibrosis mechanism
- mutation in CFTR gene (usually puts Cl- on surface of cell so water released so runny mucus)
- deficiency of chloride ion release
- sticky and immovable mucus
what tissues does cystic fibrosis affect (any with mucins and cilia)
airways
- clogging and infection of bronchial passage with thick sticky mucus obstructs breathing and progressively damages lungs
- major cause of mortality in CF
liver
- small bile duct blocked
- disrupts digestion in 5%
pancreas
- zymogen secretion not released in 85%
small intestine
- thick non-motile stools in 10% of neonates
- requires surgery - remove large part of SI
reproductive tracts
- absence of fine ducts such as vas deferens - 95% males infertile
- thick mucus plug in cervix prevents semen transit so female infertile
skin
- malfunctioning of sweat glands causes salty sweat
- crystals on surface of skin
what is stratified squamous epithelia
multiple layers of cells of which the outermost are thin squamous (layers held together by desmosomes)
functions of stratified squamous epithelium
- protection against abrasion
- reduces water loss but remains moist
- prevention of microbial ingress
- shielding against UV light damage
locations of stratified squamous keratinised epithelium
- surface of skin
- oral cavity (limited)
locations of stratified squamous non- keratinised epithelium
- oral cavity
- oesophagus
- vagina
- anal canal
- surface of cornea
- inner surface of eyelid
what is stratified squamous keratinised epithelium
contains multiple layers of cells, the outermost of which are squamous cells that have lost their nuclei and cornified (become squames)
what is stratified squamous non-keratinised epithelium
contains multiple layers of cells, the outermost of which are squamous cells that retain their nuclei - found in areas that are moist and subject to abrasion