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Body Logistics > L6) Epithelial tissue and cell surface specialisation > Flashcards

L6) Epithelial tissue and cell surface specialisation Flashcards

1
Q

Define Epithelia

A

Sheets of contiguous cells, of varied embryonic origin, that cover the external surface of the body and line internal surfaces, including the body’s vessels.

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2
Q

What are the embryological germ layers that epithelial tissues are derived from ?

A

Ectoderm ( e.g.- epidermis)
Endoderm ( e.g.- inner and outer lining of the GI tract)
Mesoderm ( e.g. - inner linings of body cavities)

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3
Q

What are the surfaces with epithelial linings ?

A

Exterior surface ( skin)
Interior spaces opening to exterior ( GI tract )
Interior spaces which do not open to the exterior ( pericardial sacs, pleural sacs …)

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4
Q

What are the different types of cell shape in epithelial tissue?

A

Simple
Columnar
Cuboidal

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5
Q

What are the different types of layers present in epithelial tissue ?

A

Simple
Stratified
Pseudostratified
Transitional

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6
Q

What is the basement membrane ?

A

Basal lamina + Reticular layer

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7
Q

What is the mesothelium ?

A

The lining epithelium of ‘closed’ cavities - peritoneal, pleural and pericardial cavities.

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8
Q

What is the endothelium ?

A

Specialised form of epithelium

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9
Q

What are the functions of simple squamous epithelium?

A

Lubrication - mesothelium
Gas exchange - ( Type 1 pneumocytes of pulmonary alveoli)
Water, nutrient & waste product exchange ( endothelial cells lining heart & capillaries)
Barrier ( Bowman’s capsule, skin )

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10
Q

Define simple cuboidal ?

A

A single layer of polygonal cells, whose height & width are approximately equal

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11
Q

What are the functions of simple cuboidal epithelium ?

A

Absorption & conduit - exocrine glands
Absorption & secretion - kidney tubules
Barrier/covering - ovary
Hormone synthesis, storage & mobilisation - thyroid

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12
Q

What types of cells bound thyroid gland follicles?

A

Simple cuboidal epithelium

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13
Q

What happens in the thyroid ?

A

Epithelial cells synthesise thyroglobulin and store in the centre of the follicle ( colloid)
Only organ that stores its product outside of the cells.
Reprocess thyroglobulin to produce thyroxine & release that into the blood ( hormone )

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14
Q

What is simple columnar ?

A

A single layer of cells, whose heights are significantly greater than widths.

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15
Q

Name some locations that include simple columnar epithelium?

A

Stomach lining & gastric glands
small intestine & colon
Gallbladder

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16
Q

What are the functions of simple columnar epithelium?

A

Absorption ( small intestine, colon & gall bladder )
Secretion ( stomach lining & gastric glands, small intestine & colon)
Lubrication ( small intestine & colon)

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17
Q

Define pseudostratified epithelia

A

Tissues in which all cells make contact with the basement membrane, but not all of the cells reach the epithelial cell surface
Results in nuclei lying at different levels giving the impressions of multiple cell layers.

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18
Q

Name some locations that include pseudostratified epithelium?

A

Lining of nasal cavity, trachea, & bronchi

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19
Q

What are the functions of pseudostratified epithelium?

A

Secretion and conduit
Mucus secretion
Particle trapping and removal

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20
Q

What are the features of Goblet cells?

A

Lack of cilia on the apical surface - instead have microvilli
Release of mucins through exocytosis
Water release increased by release of ions

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21
Q

How does a mutation in CFTR gene lead to characteristics of cystic fibrosis?

A

Deficiency in chloride ion release - very sticky & immovable mucous

(chloride ions take with water them = mucus slippery / thin)

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22
Q

How does CF affect the tissues that have mucins and cilia in airways?

A

clogging & infection of bronchial passage with thick sticky mucus obstructs breathing, progressively
damages lungs – major cause of mortality in CF patients

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23
Q

How does CF affect the tissues that have mucins and cilia in the liver ?

A

The small bile duct becomes blocked, disrupts digestion in 5% of CF patients

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24
Q

How does CF affect the tissues that have mucins and cilia in the pancreas ?

A

Zymogen secretions not released in 85% of patients

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25
How does CF affect the tissues that have mucins and cilia in the small intestine ?
Thick, non-motile stools in 10% of CF neonates - requires surgery
26
How does CF affect the tissues that have mucins and cilia in the Reproductive tracts ?
Absence of fine ducts such as vas deferens renders 95% of CF males infertile. Occasionally, a thick mucous plug in cervix prevent semen transit and results in female infertility
27
How does CF affect the tissues that have mucins and cilia in the skin ?
Malfunctioning of sweat glands results in very salty sweat and crystals on the surface of the skin
28
Define stratified squamous epithelia ?
Contains multiple layers of cells, the outermost of which are thin squamous epitelial cells
29
Name some locations that include stratified squamous non-keratinised epithelium?
Oral cavity Oesophagus Vagina Part of anal canal Surface of cornea Inner surface of eyelid ( found in areas that are moist)
30
What are the functions of stratified squamous non-keratinised epithelium?
Protection against abrasion (all sites) Reduces water loss but remains moist (all sites)
31
Define stratified squamous keratinised epithelium
Stratified squamous keratinised epithelium contains multiple layers of cells, the outermost of which are squamous cells that have lost their nuclei and cornified (i.e. become ‘squames’ of keratin).
32
What is the stratum corneum ( Horny layer) ?
The outermost dead cells of the epithelium
33
What are the functions of stratum corneum layer?
Greatly reduces water loss and ingress prevents ingress of toxins Protects against abrasion Reduces microbial colonisation
34
What is the primary site of stratified squamous keratinised epithelium ?
The epidermis of the skin - contains no blood vessels = avascular
35
What are the examples of the locations that include stratified squamous keratinised epithelium ?
Surface of the skin Limited distribution in oral cavity
36
What are the functions of the stratified squamous keratinised epithelium ?
Protection against abrasion and physical trauma Prevention of water loss Prevention of microbial ingress Shielding against UV light damage
37
Define transitional epithelium ( urothelium )
Surface cells vary in shape from columnar/ cuboidal to flattened.
38
What is the location of transitional epithelium ( urothelium ) ?
Urinary tract : from renal calyces -> ureters -> bladder Proximal urethra
39
What are the functions of transitional epithelium ( urothelium ) ?
Distensibility Protection of underlying tissue from toxic chemicals
40
Define Serous membranes ?
Thin, two-part membranes which line certain closed body cavities (spaces which do not open to the exterior) and envelop the viscera.
41
What are the 2 parts of the serous membrane ?
Visceral (outer) - closest to organs in cavity Parietal (inner) - lines outer edge of cavity
42
What do the serous membranes line ?
The peritoneum - which envelops many abdominal organs. The pleural sacs - which envelop the lungs. The pericardial sac - which envelops the heart.
43
What is a function of a serous membrane ?
The serous membranes (or serosae) exude a lubricating fluid that promotes relatively friction-free movement of the structures they surround.
44
What does the serous membrane consist of ?
Simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium) that exudes the watery lubricating fluid Thin layer of connective tissue that attaches the epithelium to adjacent tissues Carries blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves
45
How are keratin specialised ?
Prevents water loss & protects against abrasion
46
How are cilia specialised ?
Controls micro-movement of luminal contents
47
How are goblet cells specialised ?
Mucus secretion, moistens and lubricates
48
How are Microvilli specialised ?
Increases surface area for absorption & secretion
49
What is the structure of Club cells ( clara )?
On the airway side of the terminal bronchioles Have club like apical surfaces No cilia No basal bodies
50
What are the functions of the club cells ?
To protect the bronchiolar epithelium - secretion of uteroglobin & solution similar in composition to pulmonary surfactant. Detoxification of harmful substances inhaled into the lungs Acts as stem cells - multiplying & differentiating into ciliated cells to regenerate the bronchiolar epithelium.
51
Where are microfold cells found ?
Only in the small intestine and very close to lymphatic nodules.
52
What are the functions of the microfold cells ?
1. Trap pathogens and other molecules 2. Present to underlying dendritic cells that process material 3. Present to lymphocytes and macrophages that reside in a basal ‘pocket’ that is not linked to the basement membrane to raise an immune response or digestions, respectively
53
What do M cells look like ?
Have a folded extension that looks like a mushroom cap that samples the lumen by endocytosis
54
What do M cells represent ?
A weak point in the intestinal epithelium as many pathogens exploit them as a portal of entry
55
What is the function of stereocilia in the inner ear ?
Mechanosensing organelles of hair cells, which respond to fluid motion for hearing & balance.
56
What is the function of stereocilia in the epididymis & vas deferens ?
Facilitate absorption of the residual sperm body after spermentaion has completed.
57
What do stereocilia contain ?
Actin & myosin filaments
58
How does smoking damage the lungs ?
Early stage : 1. Normal mucus layer thickens 2. Cilia die off 3. Ciliagenesis – 2 to 4 days Chronic stage : 1. Goblet cells and basal cells proliferate 2. Club cells (metaplasia) or die 3. Carcinogens induce mutations and malignancy 4. Pneumocytes in the alveoli die - Remaining type II cells proliferate to make both type I and II pneumocytes / Fibroblasts lay down scar tissue
59
What are the cell renewal rates ?
Trachea - 1 to 2 months Alveoli - 8 days Goblet cells - 10 days Club cells - never (once they die or undergo morphogenesis)
60
How is Acute bronchitis a respiratory condition related to smoking ?
cough & mucus production, breathlessness < 3 months Reduced lung function & breathlessness due to inflammation, swelling & narrowing of the lung airways & excess mucus in the lung passages Later stage - Increased risk of serious respiratory diseases
61
How is Chronic bronchitis a respiratory condition related to smoking ?
Chronic inflammation of the bronchi that produces a cough & mucus production that has at least 2 episodes of cough lasting 3 months or more during a 2 year period (smoker’s cough) Reduced lung function & breathlessness due to inflammation, swelling & narrowing of the lung airways & excess mucus in the lung passages Start of or irreparable damage to the bronchioles & alveoli
62
How is Emphysema a respiratory condition related to smoking ?
Shortness of breath due to permanent widening of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole without fibrosis (i.e. destruction of the air sacs) Damage to air sac, loss of elastic recoil and permanent changes to the size of the alveoli (fuse and enlarge)
63
How is COPD a respiratory condition related to smoking?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – umbrella condition that includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis
64
How is Asthma a respiratory condition related to smoking ?
Wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness & cough that may vary over time & in intensity, with a variable expiratory airflow limitation - often has a trigger (e.g. cold, exercise, allergens, stress, etc.) Caused by bronchospasm (tightening of the smooth muscle layer in the bronchi and bronchioles), obstruction from mucus & narrowing of the conducting airways

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