Epithelial Tissue Cell Shape

Question 1

Epithelial tissue is classified by ….. and ….

Answer 1

cell shape
number of layers

Question 2

Name three types of cells found in epithelial tissue and 2 types of cell layer
Can you think of any other types of cells found in epithelial tissue name them

Answer 2

layers = simple and stratified
Cells = squamous, cuboidal, columnar
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
& urothelium / transitional epithelium

Question 3

Now name all the combinations of cell types both layers and cells possible

Answer 3

Simple epithelum = simple squamous epithelium, simple cuboidal epithelium, simple columnar epithelium
Stratified epithelium = stratified squamous epithelium, stratified cuboidal epithelium, pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Urothelium/ transitional epithelium

Question 4

For the following flashcards state the location, function and any other features of cells found

Question 5

Simple squamous epithelium

Answer 5

Lining of blood and lymphatic vessels, small ducts, lung alveoli, loop of Henle in the kidneys, inner surface of eardrum, lining of serous membranes
Single layer of flat, hexagonal cells, because cells are so flat, nuclei appear as bumps when viewed cross-sectionally
Function is: diffusion, filtration, secretion, absorption, some protection from friction

Question 6

Simple cuboidal epithelium:

Answer 6

Kidney tubules, glands and ducts, choroid plexus of the brain, lining of terminal bronchioles, surface of ovaries
A single layer of cuboid-shaped cells, some cells have microvilli (kidney tubules) or cilia (bronchioles)Function: in kidney tubules, facilitated diffusion and active transport allow secretion and absorption; secretion by glands and choroid plexus; movement of mucus-containing particles in bronchioles

Question 7

Simple columnar epithelium

Answer 7

Found in glands and ducts, bronchioles of lungs, auditory tubes, uterus and uterine tubes, stomach, intestines, gallbladder, bile ducts, ventricles of the brain
Single layer of tall, narrow cells, some cells have cilia or microvilli
Function: movement of particles out of bronchioles in lungs, movement of oocyte through uterine walls by cilia, secretion in glands, stomach and intestines, absorption in intestines

Question 8

Stratified squamous epithelium:

Answer 8

Located in moist surfaces (mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus, anus, vagina, inferior urethra, cornea) and keratinised surfaces (skin)
Multiple layers of cells that are cuboidal in the basal layer and progressively flattened towards the surface
In moist stratified squamous epithelium, the cells retain nucleus and cytoplasm
In keratinised stratified squamous epithelium the cells are full of keratin and no longer living
This epithelium is for protection against abrasion and infection
SKIN = Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium

Question 9

Stratified cuboidal epithelium:

Answer 9

Located in sweat gland ducts, ovarian follicular cells, salivary gland ducts
Structured as multiple layers of cube-shaped cells
Function: secretion, absorption, protection against infection

Question 10

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium:

Answer 10

Can be called respiratory epithelium because of its location: lining of nasal cavity, nasal sinuses, auditory tubes, pharynx, trachea, bronchi of lungs
A single layer of cells, some are tall and thin to reach the surface, some do not, nuclei are at different levels to appear stratified, cells are normally ciliated and are associated with goblet cells
uFnction: synthesise and secrete mucus, move mucus over the free surface

Question 11

Urothelium/ transitional epithelium

Answer 11

Lining of urinary bladder, ureters, superior urethra
Made of stratified cells that appear cuboidal when tissue is not stretched and squamous when tissue is stretched
unction: accommodates fluctuations in the volume of fluid in organ or tube, protection against caustic effects of urine