Epithelial Tissues And Exocrine Glands Flashcards
What does a mucous membrane line?
MUCOUS MEMBRANES line certain internal tubes which open to the exterior.
i.e. the alimentary tract
the respiratory tract
the urinary tract
(these mucosae bear mucus-secreting cells to varying degrees)
What 3 layers dos a mucous membrane consist of?
A MUCOUS MEMBRANE consists of:
- an epithelium (type depends on site) lining the lumen of a tube.
- an adjacent layer of connective tissue often referred to as the
lamina propria (literally ‘one’s own layer’).
- in the alimentary tract, a third layer consisting of smooth muscle
cells, referred to as the muscularis mucosae.
What is a serous membrane and what do they line?
SEROUS MEMBRANES are thin, two-part membranes which line certain closed body cavities (spaces which do not open to the exterior). They envelop the viscera.
- They line the peritoneum……….which envelops many abdominal organs.
- the pleural sacs……..which envelop the lungs.
- the pericardial sac…..which envelops the heart.
What do serous membranes secrete?
These serous membranes (or serosae) secrete a lubricating fluid which promotes relatively friction-free movement of the structures they surround.
What does a serous membrane consist of?
A SEROUS MEMBRANE consists of:
- a simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) which secretes a
watery lubricating fluid.
- a thin layer of connective tissue which attaches the epithelium
to adjacent tissues (also carries blood vessels and nerves).
When do many organs become surrounded by a serous membrane?
During embryonic development the heart, lungs, and gut develop next to a bag-like cavity into which they invaginate. So they each become surrounded by serous membrane.
(NB - they do not lie within the serous cavity itself, but are surrounded by it).
See analogy………
What is the outer “wall” or a serous membrane called?
Parietal serosa
What is the inner wall of a serous membrane called?
Visceral serosa
What lies in the serous cavity and what is its function?
Lubricating fluid; allows movement
What are epithelia?
Sheets of contiguous cells, of varied embryonic origin, that cover the external surface of the body and line internal surfaces.
Name some surfaces with epithelial linings
Exterior surface:
skin
Interior spaces opening to exterior:
gastrointestinal tract
respiratory tract
genitourinary tract
Interior spaces which do not open to the exterior: pericardial sac pleural sacs peritoneum blood vessels lymphatic vessels
Name some terms to classify the nature of the epithelial layer
Simple
Stratified/compound
Pseudostratified
Name some terms to classify the shape of epithelial cells
Squamous
Cuboidal
Columnar
Transitional
What is simple epithelium?
One cell layer thick
What is stratified/compound epithelium?
More than one cell layer thick
What is the basement membrane?
Basement membrane is the name given to the thin, flexible, acellular layer which lies between epithelial cells and the subtending connective tissue.
What is the function of the basement membrane
The basement membrane serves as a strong flexible layer to which epithelial cells adhere. It also serves as a cellular and molecular filter.
The degree to which malignant cells penetrate basement membrane is highly relevant to prognosis (see Mechanisms of Disease Unit).
NB: the terms basement membrane and basal lamina are used
inconsistently in the literature.
Define simple squamous epithelium
A single layer of thin squamous cells
Give examples of vessels which are lined by simple squamous epithelium
Blood vessels, lymphatic vessels
What is the name given to the simple squamous epithelium lining all vascular elements?
ENDOTHELIUM
What is mesothelium?
The name given to simple stratified epithelium lining the pleural sac, the pericardial sac and the peritoneum
What is the function of endothelium?
Endothelium can exchange gasses and nutrients, allow certain blood cells to enter the tissues, and regulate platelet coagulation.
Name 4 functions of simple squamous epithelium
1) Lubrication (pericardium, pleura, peritoneum/viscera)
Secretion of fluid can be excessive. e.g.:
- hydrocoele around testis – accumulation of clear serous fluid between visceral and parietal layers of tunica vaginalis
- excessive fluid in pleural space around lungs, requiring drainage (see Respiratory system lecture)
2) Gas exchange (Type 1 pneumocytes of pulmonary alveoli)
3) Barrier (Bowman’s capsule)
4) Active transport by pinocytosis (mesothelium & endothelium)
What type of epithelium lines a pancreatic duct?
Simple cuboidal
What type of epithelium line thyroid gland follicles?
Simple cuboidal
What do epithelial cells in the thyroid gland synthesise?
The epithelial cells synthesise thyroxine, store it in colloid, and transport it to the bloodstream.
What type of epithelium lines the collecting ducts of the kidneys?
Simple cuboidal