Epithelium Flashcards
Basic functional unit of the body
cell
A collection of cells and material between cells that perform specialized functions
tissue
A structure or mass formed by basic tissues to perform specialized functions
organ
A group of organs that work together to perform specialized functions
system
Epithelium traits (2)
Covering and lining of surface
Secretion
Epithelium is derived from
ALL GERM LAYERS
Ectoderm
Mesoderm
Endoderm
Functions of epithelium (7)
- protection
- Transcellular transport (active and passive)
- Secretion
- Absorbtion
- Selective permeability
- Sensory detection
- Contraction (myoepithelial cells)
Characteristics of epithelium (3)
- Composed entirely of cells
- Avascular (no blood vessels)
- Polarity (apical, lateral, basal)
Physical arrangement of epithelium (3)
1-sheets of tightly bound cells (membrane)
2-Glands (single or group secretory)
3-Non-secretory individiul or small clusters of cells
Membrane epithelium arranged:
In sheets to cover body surfaces (inside and outside)
3 criteria for epithelial classification
1-Number of layers of cells
2-Shape of cells in surface layer
3-Special modification of epithelial cells
Number of layers of cells can be
Simple (1 layer of cells)
Stratified (more than 1 layers of cells)
Shape of cells in surface layer
Squamous-flat
Cuboidal-square
Columnar-rectangular
Classes of epithelium in sheets with unique characteristics
Transitional epithelium
Pesudostratified columnar epithelium
3 specialized modifications of epithelial cells
1-Apical cell membrane
2-Basal cell membrane
3-Cytoplasm
Special modification of epithelial cell
Apical cell membrane (3)
- Kinocilia=long, mobile projections-CILIA
- Microvilli=short projections-BRUSH BORDER
- Stereocilia=long, non-mobile projections
Special modification of epithelial cell
Basal cell membrane
Basal infoldings=invagination in basal cell membrane
Special modification of epithelial cell
cytoplasm
Keratinization=deposition of proteinaceous filaments
Psuedostratified columnar epithelium
- simple epithelium
- Variable cell shapes
- All cells attach to basement membrane
- Not all cells reach surface of epithelium
- Common with apical surface modification (cilia or sterocilia)
Transitional epithelium
- stratified epithelium
- shape of surface cells variable
- Can stretch without breaking cell to cell attachment
Apical, basal, lateral polarity arrangement
Apical- toward lumen if present
Basal-attached to basement membrane
Lateral- on sides of cell that aren’t basal or apical
Adhesion of epithelial cells to other things via
Junctional complexes or terminal bars
on apical surface of cell
Glycocalyx and microvilli help
Types of attachments between epithelial cells (4)
Macula-spot
Zonula-girdle or belt
Occludens-tight seal
Adherens-site of adhesion
Desmosome is example of what type of attachement
Macula adherens
Some specialized structures in junctional complexes (2)
Gap juntinos
Hemidesmosomes
Intercellular bridges
desmosomes
Components of basement membrane (2)
1-Basal lamina
2-Lamina relicularis or Lamina fibrorecticularis