L4 - Epithelial Tissue Flashcards
- Which of the following is a function of epithelial tissue?
a) Contraction
b) Secretion
c) Transmission of nerve impulses
d) All of the above
b) Secretion
Epithelial tissue functions in secretion, protection, absorption, and sensation. Contraction is a function of muscle tissue, while nerve impulse transmission is for nervous tissues.
- Which type of epithelium lines the alveoli of the lungs, facilitating diffusion?
a) Simple cuboidal
b) Simple squamous
c) Stratified squamous
d) Transitional epithelium
- b) Simple squamous
This type of epithelium is thin and allows easy passage of gases in the alveoli.
- The apical surface of the epithelial cell is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
a) Microvilli
b) Cilia
c) Hemidesmosomes
d) Stereocilia
- c) Hemidesmosomes
Hemidesmosomes are found on the basal surface, not the apical surface.
- Which of the following epithelial cell junctions blocks the passage of molecules between adjacent cells?
a) Tight junctions
b) Gap junctions
c) Desmosomes
d) Hemidesmosomes
- a) Tight junctions
Tight junctions create a barrier to the passage of materials between cells.
- Which type of gland releases its secretion via exocytosis without any loss of cytoplasm?
a) Apocrine gland
b) Holocrine gland
c) Merocrine gland
d) Endocrine gland
- c) Merocrine gland
Merocrine glands release secretion through exocytosis without any loss of cytoplasm.
- Explain the role of polarity in epithelial cells and how it aids in their function.
- Polarity allows epithelial cells to have distinct apical, lateral, and basal surfaces, each of which performs specific functions, such as absorption, secretion, or anchoring to underlying tissues.
For instance, the apical surface often contains microvilli or cilia to increase surface area for absorption or to move substances, while the basal surface anchors the cell to the underlying tissue and facilitates nutrient exchange¹². This organized structure ensures efficient and directional transport of molecules across the epithelial layer, maintaining tissue integrity and function.
- Describe the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands, providing examples of each.
- Endocrine glands have no duct system and discharge their secretion directly into the bloodstream and lymph vessels to act on distant tissues (e.g., thyroid gland and pituitary gland ), while exocrine glandsdischarge their secretions onto an
epithelial surface either directly or via a duct (e.g., sweat glands).
- What is the significance of the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?
- The basement membrane provides structural support, anchors the epithelium to underlying tissues, and regulates the movement of materials between the epithelium and underlying layers.
- The __________ epithelium found in the urinary bladder can stretch to accommodate varying amounts of fluid.
- Transitional
- __________ glands release their secretion directly into the bloodstream without the need for ducts.
- Endocrine
- The simple cuboidal epithelium is typically found in areas where secretion and absorption are the primary functions. (True / False)
- True
Simple cuboidal epithelium is commonly found in glands and renal tubules where secretion and absorption occur.
- All stratified epithelial tissues provide the same degree of protection to underlying tissues. (True / False)
- False
Stratified keratinized epithelium provides more protection (e.g., skin) compared to stratified non-keratinized epithelium (e.g., esophagus).
- Which of the following are features of epithelial tissue?
(Select all that apply)
a) Avascularity
b) Polarity
c) Rich in extracellular matrix
d) High regenerative capacity
- a) Avascularity, b) Polarity, d) High regenerative capacity
Epithelial tissues are avascular, have distinct polarity, and can regenerate rapidly, especially in areas of high abrasion.
Clinical Scenario-
- A 60-year-old male presents with symptoms of dry, scaly skin and reduced sensation in his extremities. A biopsy of the skin shows a thickened, keratinized layer of epithelial cells. Which of the following epithelial structures are likely affected?
a) Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium
b) Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium
c) Simple columnar epithelium
d) Transitional epithelium
- b) Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium
This epithelium forms the outer layer of the skin and produces keratin to protect against abrasion and water loss.
- A patient presents with difficulty breathing, and a biopsy of their trachea is ordered. Upon examination, the tissue shows epithelial cells with cilia and goblet cells. Which type of epithelium is likely present in the trachea?
a) Simple squamous
b) Simple cuboidal
c) Pseudostratified columnar
d) Stratified squamous
- c) Pseudostratified columnar
The trachea is lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, which contains cilia and goblet cells to trap and move mucus.
- (Insert an image of a histology slide showing different types of epithelial tissues, including simple cuboidal and stratified squamous).
Identify the tissues shown in the image and describe their key characteristics.
- Which of the following best describes the function of microvilli in epithelial cells?
a) Increase the cell’s surface area for absorption
b) Allow the cell to move substances along its surface
c) Strengthen cell-cell adhesion
d) Facilitate communication between adjacent cells
- a) Increase the cell’s surface area for absorption
Microvilli are tiny projections on the apical surface of epithelial cells that increase surface area, enhancing absorption.
- Which of the following types of epithelium is specifically adapted for rapid exchange of materials?
a) Stratified squamous
b) Transitional epithelium
c) Simple squamous
d) Pseudostratified columnar
- c) Simple squamous
Simple squamous epithelium is thin and allows for rapid diffusion and filtration, making it ideal for areas like the alveoli in the lungs.
- Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium is most likely found in which of the following locations?
a) Epidermis of the skin
b) Esophagus
c) Trachea
d) Ureter
- b) Esophagus
Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium is found in areas like the esophagus, where protection against friction is needed, but keratinization (which provides water resistance) is not.
- Simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in lubrication and absorption.
True / False
- True
Simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells is present in the intestines where it aids in mucus production and absorption of nutrients.
- Tight junctions are essential for preventing the free movement of molecules between adjacent epithelial cells.
True / False
- True
Tight junctions prevent the free movement of molecules between cells, maintaining the selective barrier function of epithelial tissue.
- Describe the difference between simple and stratified epithelia in terms of structure and function.
- Simple epithelia have a single layer of cells, making them ideal for absorption and filtration, while stratified epithelia have multiple layers, providing protection in areas subject to abrasion.
- Explain how cilia in pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium contribute to respiratory health.
- Cilia move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract, keeping the airways clear of debris and pathogens, thereby contributing to respiratory health.
- Discuss the role of glandular epithelium in endocrine and exocrine systems. Include examples of secretions produced by each.
- Glandular epithelium forms glands that secrete substances. Endocrine glands, like the thyroid, secrete hormones directly into the blood, while exocrine glands, like sweat glands, secrete onto epithelial surfaces via ducts.
- Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium, found in the __________, provides protection against mechanical stress and prevents water loss.
- Epidermis
- The __________ gland secretes both serous and mucous secretions, making it a mixed gland.
- Submandibular salivary
- __________ junctions allow for direct communication between adjacent cells by permitting the passage of ions and small molecules.
- Gap
- Which of the following are characteristics of stratified squamous keratinized epithelium?
(Select all that apply)
a) It contains multiple layers of cells
b) The apical layers are composed of dead cells filled with keratin
c) It provides a moist surface for absorption
d) It is found in areas of high mechanical stress
- a), b), d)
Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium is made of multiple layers, with the apical layers being keratinized, dead cells that protect against mechanical stress, found in the skin.
- Which of the following are functions of epithelial tissue?
(Select all that apply)
a) Secretion of hormones
b) Formation of blood vessels
c) Protection from mechanical injury
d) Absorption of nutrients
- a), c), d)
Epithelial tissue is involved in hormone secretion, protection from injury, and absorption of materials in areas like the intestines.
Clinical Scenario -
- A 45-year-old female patient presents with persistent heartburn and difficulty swallowing. A biopsy of the esophagus shows changes in the epithelial lining from stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium to columnar epithelium. What is this condition called, and why is it significant?
A) Esophageal carcinoma; significant due to high mortality
B) Metaplasia; significant because it is a benign condition
C) Barrett’s esophagus; significant due to increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
D) Dysplasia; significant because it leads to acid reflux
C) Barrett’s esophagus; significant due to increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma
- A patient with chronic sinus infections undergoes a biopsy that shows a loss of cilia in the epithelial lining of the nasal cavity. Which type of epithelium is likely involved, and how does the absence of cilia affect the patient’s condition?
A) Stratified squamous epithelium; loss of cilia reduces protection against abrasion
B) Simple squamous epithelium; absence of cilia impairs gas exchange
C) Pseudostratified columnar epithelium; loss of cilia impairs mucus clearance
D) Transitional epithelium; absence of cilia increases susceptibility to infections
C) Pseudostratified columnar epithelium; loss of cilia impairs mucus clearance
- (Insert an image of an epithelial slide showing ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium). Based on the image, identify the type of tissue, its characteristic features, and its location in the human body.
- A 65-year-old male presents with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A biopsy of his airway reveals metaplasia, where the normal pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium is replaced by stratified squamous epithelium. What is the significance of this cellular change in the context of his disease?
A) It improves mucus clearance, aiding in better airflow
B) Reduces mucus clearance, worsening the patient’s respiratory condition.
C) It increases secretion of mucus, worsening airway obstruction
D) It decreases oxygen exchange, resulting in hypoxia
B) This change reduces mucus clearance, worsening the patient’s respiratory condition.
- Which of the following accurately describes the regenerative capacity of epithelial tissue?
a) Low capacity due to the absence of blood supply
b) High capacity due to the presence of stem cells
c) Regenerates slowly because of limited nutrient access
d) Dependent on the type of epithelium, with stratified having the lowest regeneration rate
- b) High capacity due to the presence of stem cells
Epithelial tissue has a high regenerative capacity because it contains stem cells that continually replace damaged or lost cells.
- Which of the following cell junctions in epithelial tissue allows the passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells?
a) Desmosomes
b) Tight junctions
c) Gap junctions
d) Zonula adherens
- c) Gap junctions
Gap junctions allow ions and small molecules to pass directly between adjacent cells, facilitating intercellular communication.
- Which type of epithelium is most adapted for distension, making it ideal for the lining of organs like the urinary bladder?
a) Stratified squamous
b) Transitional epithelium
c) Simple cuboidal
d) Stratified cuboidal
- b) Transitional epithelium
Transitional epithelium can stretch and distend, making it ideal for the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
- Stratified cuboidal epithelium is typically found in large excretory ducts such as sweat glands and salivary glands.
True / False
- True
Stratified cuboidal epithelium is commonly found in large ducts like sweat and salivary glands, where its function is protection.
- Simple columnar epithelium with cilia is primarily involved in absorption rather than moving substances across its surface.
True / False
- False
Ciliated simple columnar epithelium moves substances like mucus across its surface, while non-ciliated types are involved in absorption.
- Explain why epithelial tissues are considered avascular and how they receive nutrients.
- Epithelial tissues are avascular, meaning they lack blood vessels. They receive nutrients through diffusion from underlying connective tissues that are rich in blood vessels.
- What is the functional significance of cilia and microvilli, and how do their roles differ in epithelial tissues?
- Cilia and microvilli both extend from the apical surface of epithelial cells. Cilia are involved in moving substances across the epithelial surface (e.g., moving mucus in the respiratory tract), while microvilli increase surface area for absorption (e.g., in the intestines).
- The __________ junctions are primarily responsible for anchoring epithelial cells to the basement membrane, providing structural stability.
- Hemidesmosomes