Histology of epithelia Flashcards
Describe a simple epithelium
single layer of cells on a basement membrane
Describe a stratified epithelium
two or more layers of cells on a basement membrane
Describe a pseudostratified epithelium
looks like there is more than one layer of cells but there is only one layer
Describe a simple squamous epithelium
a single layer of flattened cells on a basement membrane
What type of epithelium lines the inside of blood vessels and what is its special name?
simple squamous epithelium
endothelium
What type of epithlia lines the outside of the lungs? What is its special name?
simple squamous
mesothelium
What type of epithlia is the peritoneum?
simple squamous
What type of epithelium is a single layer of cells, as tall as they are wide, resting on a basement membrane?
simple cuboidal
Describe the nuclei in the cells of a simple cuboidal epithelium
round and central
What type of epithelium lines the kidney tubules?
simple cuboidal
What type of epithelium lines small ducts?
simple cuboidal
What type of epithelium lines the stomach, intestines and the uterus?
simple columnar
What are microscopic motile projections on the luminal surface of a cell called?
cilia
What type of epithelium has many layers of cells?
stratified
Generally, where would you expect to find stratified epithelia?
areas that experience abrasive forces
What type of epithelium lines the vagina?
stratified squamous non-keratinising
What type of epithelium lines the mouth, orophraynx and oesophagus?
stratified squamous non-keratinising
Where would you find stratified squamous keratinising epithelium?
the skin
What important quality does the keratin of the skin provide?
waterproofing
as skin cells mature and move away from the basement membrane, what accumulates in their cytoplasm?
keratin
In a pseudo-stratified epithelium, what are all cells in contact with?
the basement membrane
Where would you find pseudo-stratified epithelia?
the conducting airways
How would you classify urothelium?
specialised stratified epithelium
What type of cell forms a layer of the surface in urothelium?
umbrella cells
What is urothelium somtimes called?
transitional epithelium
What does urothelium line?
the collecting part of the urinary tract
What stain can be used to see the basement membrane ?
PAS
Name two of the extra cellular proteins that form the basement membrane
Collagen IV and fibronectin
What is the other name for tight junctions?
occluding
Describe tight junctions
band like fusions between cells
Do tight junctions allow diffusion?
No
What is the other name for occluding junctions?
tight junctions
Which type of junction connect the cytoskeletons of adjacent cells?
desmosomes
What are anchoring/adhering junctions also known as?
desmosomes
Which junctions helps spread forces between cells?
desmosomes
What is the other name for communicating junctions?
gap junctions
What type of junction electrically couples adjacent cells?
gap junctions
