Epithelium Flashcards
Name 3 locations of epithelium
- Covering and lining surfaces
- Covering and lining body tubes
- Glands and ducts
Name 2 epithelium-like tissues
- Endothelium
2. Mesothelium
Name 6 functions of epithelium
- Secretion
- Selective permeability
- Transport
- Absorption
- Protection
- Sensory perception
What are 5 general morphological features of epithelium?
- Cells are closely apposed
- Cells are polarised
- No intercellular spaces
- Basal regions lie on basement membrane
- Usually avascular
What are 3 ways to classify a lining epithelium?
- Number of cell layers
- Shape of most superficial cell with a nucleus
- Surface specialisations
What are 3 shapes of epithelium?
- Columnar
- Squamous
- Cuboidal
What are 3 surface specialisations of epithelium?
- Cilia
- Microvilli
- Keratin
What is simple squamous epithelium?
Single layer of flattened cells
What is the main function of simple squamous epithelium?
Facilitates passive diffusion of gases or fluids
Name 2 places where simple squamous epithelium found
- Lungs
2. Kidney
What is simple cuboidal epithelium?
Single layer of cells where height and width are approximately equal
Name 2 places where simple cuboidal epithelium is found
- Small ducts
2. Tubules
What are the 3 main potential functions of simple cuboidal epithelium?
- Excretion
- Secretion
- Absorption
What is simple columnar epithelium?
Single layer of tall cells with the nucleus located basally
What are the 2 main potential functions of simple columnar epithelium?
- Absorption
2. Secretion
Name 2 places where simple columnar epithelium is found
- GI Tract
2. Large Ducts
What is pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium?
Variant of simple columnar where cells appear as many layers but all make contact with basement membrane
Name 2 places where pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium is found
- Trachea
2. Bronchus
What is found on the apical surface of stratified squamous non-keratinising epithelium?
Microridges
What is the function of stratified squamous non-keratinising epithelium?
Protection