Epithelium/Glands Flashcards
Where is Epithelium Found
- Skin (epidermis)
- Gut
- Body cavities (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities)
- Blood vessels (epithelium that coves blood vessels = endothelium)
Any substance entry in the human body needs to go through epithelium cells!
Definition of Epithelium
As a sheet of closely apposed cells, separating a space (lumen) from underlying tissue.
Or as a gland: invaginated epithelium cells.
Embryonic Origin of Epithelium
• Mainly from Ectoderm and Endoderm, but also Mesoderm
– Ectoderm– Skin and its appendages (hair and sweat glands), mammary glands
– Endoderm–Liver, pancreases, GI and respiratory tracts
– Mesoderm–Reproductive system, Blood vessels and body cavities
Basic Functions of Epithelium
“PASS C”
• Protection (Skin) • Absorption and Transcellular transport (intestinal epithelium) • Secretory (glandular epithelium) • Sensation (olfactory neuroepithelium) • Contractibility (myoepithelial cells)
Function of Oral Mucosa
Protecton, Sensation, and Secretion
Four Common features of Epithelia
- Tight: Close apposition (#1 feature of epithelium)
- Polarity (unique because they have this polarity due to a basement membrane)
- Avascular (No blood vessels WITHIN epithelial tissues - while the vessels themselves are MADE of epithelium, they are not found running through it; it IS in connective tissue though)
- Renewal (Can grow back (ex. Skin every 7 days-ish, we get new skin cells on the top layers)
Classification of Epithelia
A. Based on Number of cell layers:
1. Simple epithelia: one layer
2. Stratified epithelia: have two or more cell layers
3. Pseudostratified epithelia: one layer with
stratified appearance
B. Based on Shape of superficial cells
1. Squamous cells: flattened
2. Cuboidal cells: heights = width.
3. Columnar cells: “taller” cylinder-shaped
4. Transitional: changing shape (Distended vs
relaxed)
C. Based on Basic Function of cells
1. Covering or lining Epithelia 2. Glandular Epithelia (Goblet cells)
Simple Squamous Cells
Human Simple Squamous Epithelium can be found in the lung air sacs (alveoli)
they are very thin because we need gas exchange to occur, so there is no need for multiple layers of cells
same type of epithelium makes up our blood vessels for a similar functional reason
Kidney glomeruli also function have simple squamous epithelium as its function is to filter and exchange
Kidney Tubules
Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
nuclei are centered in cubiodal and they are square shaped
Digestive Tract
Simple Columnar Epithelium
nuclei are towards the basal surface and the cell body is much longer
Uterus or Bladder
Transitional epithelium - because it can change its shape (stretch and relax); usually at the free surface
Stratified Squamous
Common for stratified cells to be squamous in oral mucosa, esophagus, and skin, but rare to see stratified cuboidal and columnar; however, they do exist in ducts of salivary glands and conjunctiva of the eye and certain large excretory ducts.
Goblet Cells
mucus-secreting cells are commonly found in columnar and pseudostratified epithelium
unicellular glands
easily detectable through Periodic-Acid- Schiff (PAS)
Respiratory Tract
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (move particles over the free surface in areas like the trachea and nose!)
Esophagus
Stratified Squamous epithelium
Surfaces of Epithelial Cells
- Apical surface/free surface: exposed to the lumen or the outside enviornment
- Basal surface: place of attachment for the deepest layer of cells (or bottom of the cells in simple epithelium) this defines the polarity of the epithelial cell; contributes to the basement membrane
- Lateral surface: between two of the adjacent epithelial cells
Microvilli
A free surface specialization
small finger-like cytoplasmic
projections emanating from the free surface of the cell into the lumen.
Idv. microvilli are only seen under electron microscope
Collectively, microvilli
borders appear as brush-like or striated by light microscopy.
Increase intervillar spaces and facilitate absorption/
secretion*
Cilia
long, motile, hair-like emanating from the apical cell surface
Main function: motility and can sweep things out and propell substances over the surface of the epithelium via rapid rhythmic oscillations or sensations
Much longer so they can been seen under a light microscope
Core of Microtuble called AXONEME is what allows for the mobility
EXAMPLES) trachea, bronchi, oviduct, vestibular apparatus
Axoneme
Specific microtubule structure inside cilia that allows for mobility
In cross section, it appears like a wheel with 9 doublets making a circle with two singlets in the middle.
Referred to as the 9+2 structure
(9x2 = 18 = 2 = 20 total)
Stereocilia
- closely related to microvilli
- branched
•Increase surface area and facilitating the movement of molecules (SPERM)
•found at the epididmyis
Keratinization
Protection from Abrasion or Desiccation
Keratin is a specialized protein, so when layers of dead cells accumulate at the free surface, the dead cells become “keratinized” with this specific protein which thickens the apical surface and protects lower, living levels.
EXAMPLE: The palm of the hand and heels of our feet are covered by a thick stratified squamous keratinized epithelium.