Histology: epithelium & connective tissue

Question 1

describe the properties of the endothelium (4)

Answer 1

strong cell-cell adhesions, attached to basal lamina, non-vascular & polarised

Question 2

describe the function of the endothelium

Answer 2

barrier(chemical/mechaical)
absorption/secretion
containment(e.g. bladder lining)
specialised(e.g. contraction in myoepithelium)

Question 3

what are the different shapes of endothelial cells

Answer 3

squamous, cuboidal and columnar

Question 4

what are the different organisations of endothelial cells

Answer 4

simple, stratified and pseudostratified

Question 5

describe the different shapes of endothelial cells (3)

Answer 5

squamous = fried egg shape
cuboidal = square/cube shape
columnar = tall skinny(rod-like) shape

Question 6

describe the simple organisation of endothelial cells

Answer 6

the cells are organised into a single layer

Question 7

describe the stratified and pseudostratified organisation of endothelial cells

Answer 7

stratified = multiple layers of cells
pseudostratified = appears as multiple layers but is really one layer

Question 8

what can be present on endothelial cells that changes the subclassification

Answer 8

microvilli, cilia, goblet cells(mucinous), keratin

Question 9

where can microvilli be found

Answer 9

the brush border

Question 10

what is the basal lamina made up of

Answer 10

a layer of extracellular matrix(ECM) components

Question 11

what is connective tissue made up of

Answer 11

the extracellular matrix + cells

Question 12

what is the extracellular matrix made up of

Answer 12

collagen, reticular, elastic + grounded substance(glycoproteins)

Question 13

what types of cells can be found in connective tissue

Answer 13

fibroblasts, adipocyte and osteo/chonrocyte