Epithelium

Question 1

What is the epithelium?

Answer 1

One of the four main classes of tissues that is primarily responsible for forming glands and lining the outside and inside of the body.

Question 2

What are the basic parts of the epithelium

Answer 2

1. Basement membrane- The anchor of epithelial cells
2. Polarity- Apical & basal surfaces

Question 3

Describe the unique characteristics of the epithelium

Answer 3

1. Avascular- no blood vessels membranes; Capillaries are situated nearby and transfer nutrients via diffusion
2. High regeneration capacity

Question 4

Name and describe the two main types of epithelial tissue

Answer 4

1. Glandular: Forms tissues
2. Covering (Lining): Envelopes internal organs and structures and external body

Question 5

What types of junctions hold epithelial cells together?

Answer 5

1. Tight junctions: Prevents leakage or passing of substances
2. Desmosomes: Anchors and connects cells together

Question 6

Name all types of epithelial tissue

Answer 6

1. Simple squamous
2. Simple columnar
3. Simple cuboidal
4. Stratified squamous (Keratinized/non-keratinized)
5. Transitional (Urinary)
6. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

Question 7

Describe the classifications of epithelial tissue

Answer 7

1. # of layers: Stratified, simple, pseudostratified
2. Shape: Cuboidal, Squamous, Columnar
3. Specialization: job, function (if any)

Question 8

Describe the functions of simple squamous tissue

Answer 8

1. Diffusion: Thin and vast structure structure allows for easy exchange of materials
2. Filtration: Layer acts as a barrier that filters certain substances
3. Lubrication: Contains goblet cells that secrete mucus to reduce friction

Question 9

Describe the locations of simple squamous tissue

Answer 9

1. Alveoli (air sacs of lungs)
2. Body cavities (pericardium, pleural cavity, and peritoneal cavity)
3. Heart
4. Blood Vessels
5. Lymphatic vessels

Question 10

Describe the functions of simple cuboidal tissue

Answer 10

1. Absorption: Large cytoplasmic volume allows for efficient and high consumption of substances
2. Secretion: large structure contains structures involved in secretion; often found in glandular tissues

Question 11

Describe the locations of simple cuboidal tissue

Answer 11

1. Lines kidney tubules & glands ducts
2. Ovaries