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Histology > Lesson 1: Lining Epithelia > Flashcards

Lesson 1: Lining Epithelia Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?

A

Covers body surfaces, lines cavities, forms glands, protects, absorbs, secretes, and senses.

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2
Q

From which embryonic layers is epithelium derived?

A

Ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

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3
Q

What is the basement membrane?

A

A thin layer anchoring epithelial cells to underlying tissues.

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4
Q

Why is epithelial tissue avascular?

A

It relies on diffusion for nutrient and waste exchange.

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5
Q
A
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6
Q

What are the defining general features of epithelial tissue?

A

Cells are closely apposed, polarity, avascularity, presence of a basement membrane, and regenerative capability.

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7
Q

What is the importance of cell polarity in epithelial tissue?

A

It ensures directional secretion, absorption, and interaction with the environment.

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8
Q

How does epithelial tissue achieve its regenerative ability?

A

Through mitotic activity in the basal (germinal) layer.

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9
Q

What is the role of intercellular junctions in epithelial tissue?

A

To maintain structural integrity and regulate communication between cells.

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10
Q

What are simple epithelia mostly concerned with?

A

absorption, secretion and filtration

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11
Q

What are stratified epithelia mostly concerned with?

A

protection of the tissue/organ

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12
Q

Where is simple squamous epithelium typically found?

A

Lung alveoli, lumen of blood and lymph vessels (endothelium),
serosa (mesothelium), and Bowman capsule (kidney glomeruli)

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13
Q

What is the primary function of simple squamous epithelium?

A

Diffusion and filtration.
may secrete lubricating substances

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14
Q

Where is simple cuboidal epithelium located?

A

Kidney tubules, gland ducts, ovary surface, terminal bronchioles, retina.

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15
Q

What is the role of simple cuboidal epithelium?

A

Secretion and absorption.

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16
Q

What are some locations of simple columnar epithelium?

A

small intestine, stomach, uterine tubes, small bronchioles bronchi, gallbladder, excretory ducts.

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17
Q

How does simple columnar epithelium support absorption?

A

Through microvilli on the apical surface.

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18
Q

How does the simple squamous epithelium facilitate gas exchange?

A

Its thin structure allows efficient diffusion in alveoli.

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19
Q

What is the function of mesothelium derived from simple squamous epithelium?

A

To secrete lubricating fluid in serous membranes.

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20
Q

How does endothelium in blood vessels contribute to vascular function?

A

It reduces friction and regulates permeability. (simple squamous)

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21
Q

Why is simple cuboidal epithelium well-suited for kidney tubules?

A

It provides a balance of absorption and secretion.

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22
Q

Where is simple cuboidal epithelium found in endocrine glands?

A

In the follicles of the thyroid gland.

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23
Q

How does the structure of simple cuboidal epithelium aid in its function in glandular ducts?

A

Its cube-like shape offers structural support for secretory activity.

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24
Q

What is pseudostratified epithelium?

A

All cells rest on the basal membrane, but not all reach the apical surface.

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25
Q

Where is pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium found?

A

mucosa of the airways, urethra, epididymis, ear canal, big excretory ducts of glands

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26
Q

What is the function of cilia in pseudostratified epithelium?

A

To move mucus and trapped particles.

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27
Q

Why does pseudostratified epithelium appear stratified under a microscope?

A

Nuclei are positioned at varying heights, giving a false appearance of layering.

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28
Q

How does pseudostratified epithelium protect the respiratory tract?

A

Goblet cells secrete mucus, and cilia move debris-laden mucus out.

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29
Q

What is the significance of basal cells in pseudostratified epithelium?

A

They act as stem cells for regeneration.

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30
Q

What are some locations of simple columnar epithelium?

A

Intestinal lining, stomach, uterine tubes.

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31
Q

How does simple columnar epithelium support absorption?

A

Through microvilli on the apical surface.

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32
Q

What specialized features enhance the function of simple columnar epithelium in the intestines?

A

Microvilli for absorption and goblet cells for mucus secretion.

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33
Q

How does simple columnar epithelium in the uterine tubes assist reproduction?

A

Ciliated cells help transport the egg.

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34
Q

What is the role of simple columnar epithelium in the stomach?

A

Secreting mucus and enzymes for digestion.

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35
Q

What is the function of stratified squamous epithelium?

A

Protection against abrasion and pathogens.

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36
Q

Where is keratinized stratified squamous epithelium located?

A

Skin, particularly palms and soles.

37
Q

How does non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium differ?

A

It retains living cells in the uppermost layer and is found in moist areas like the esophagus and vagina.

38
Q

Where is stratified cuboidal epithelium found?

A

Big gland ducts - Ducts of sweat glands and sebaceous glands, exocrine pancreas.

39
Q

What is the role of stratified columnar epithelium?

A

Protection and secretion, found in large gland ducts and parts of the male urethra.

40
Q

What are the protective advantages of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium?

A

It resists abrasion, dehydration, and microbial invasion.

41
Q

Why does non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium retain surface cell nuclei?

A

To maintain flexibility and moisture.

42
Q

Where is stratified cuboidal epithelium commonly located?

A

In ducts of sweat and sebaceous glands.

43
Q

What dual function does stratified columnar epithelium provide in glandular ducts?

A

Protection and mucus secretion.

44
Q

Where is non-keratinized epithelium commonly found?

A

In the lining of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, rectal canal, vagina, and cornea.

45
Q

What is the main difference between keratinized and non-keratinized epithelium?

A

Keratinized epithelium has a layer of dead cells filled with keratin, while non-keratinized epithelium lacks this layer and has live, moist surface cells.

46
Q

Where is keratinized epithelium commonly found?

A

Skin , Gingival epithelium, Tongue, Nasal epithelium

47
Q

Where can stratified columnar epithelium be found?

A

larynx mucosa, male urethra, conjunctiva, big gland ducts

48
Q

What is a key characteristic of transitional epithelium?

A

Cells change shape depending on organ distension.

49
Q

Where is transitional epithelium found?

A

Urinary bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis, urethra.

50
Q

What is the function of dome-shaped cells in transitional epithelium?

A

To allow stretching and protect underlying tissues.

51
Q

How does transitional epithelium adapt to the stretching of the bladder?

A

Dome-shaped cells flatten when the bladder fills.

52
Q

Why is transitional epithelium resistant to toxic effects of urine?

A

Its thick, protective cell layers and tight junctions prevent leakage.

53
Q

What are binucleated cells in transitional epithelium?

A

Cells with two nuclei, enhancing their role in tissue integrity.

54
Q

What are the layers of the epidermis in thick skin?

A

Basal layer, spinous layer, granular layer, lucidum, and corneum.

55
Q

What is the role of keratinocytes?

A

To produce keratin for waterproofing and protection.

56
Q

What causes the genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa?

A

Mutations in keratin genes or laminin.

57
Q

What What is the primary function of the stratum corneum?is the primary function of the stratum corneum?

A

Providing a tough, waterproof barrier.

58
Q

How does the stratum basale support the epidermis?

A

It contains mitotic cells that regenerate the epidermis.

59
Q

What is the clinical significance of dermal papillae in the skin?

A

They enhance the strength of the epidermis-dermis connection and increase surface area for exchange.

60
Q

What is the role of melanocytes in protecting the skin?

A

They produce melanin, which absorbs UV radiation.

61
Q

Describe the stratum corneum

A

25 or more layers of dead squamous cells still joined by desmosomes
eventually desmosomes break and cells flake off in a process called desquamation

62
Q

Describe the stratum lucidum

A

Only in non-hairy or thick skin
Several layers of dead cells with indistinct boundaries

63
Q

Describe the stratum granulosum

A

cells contain granules of keratin

64
Q

Describe the spinous layer

A

cells are pushed upward and flatten out

65
Q

Describe the basal layer

A

mitotic layer, continuously replaces epidermal cells, turnover rate between 25 to 50 days

66
Q

What are microvilli, and what is their function?

A

Finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption.

67
Q

What are cilia, and where are they found?

A

Motile structures on the apical surface, found in the respiratory tract and uterine tubes.

68
Q

What are tight junctions?

A

Cell connections that prevent leakage between cells.

69
Q

What are gap junctions?

A

Channels that allow communication between adjacent cells.

70
Q

How do hemidesmosomes function?

A

By anchoring epithelial cells to the basement membrane.

71
Q

How do Langerhans cells contribute to immunity?

A

By capturing and presenting antigens to T-cells.

72
Q

What sensory function is associated with Merkel cells?

A

Detecting light touch and textures.

73
Q

Why are keratinocytes the most abundant cells in the epidermis?

A

They form the structural framework and produce keratin.

74
Q

What is the cause of blistering in epidermolysis bullosa simplex?

A

Fragility of basal cells due to keratin mutations.

75
Q

What condition is associated with a breakdown of the intestinal epithelial barrier?

A

Inflammatory bowel disease.

76
Q

What is the role of melanocytes in the epidermis?

A

Synthesis of melanin for pigmentation and UV protection.

77
Q

Why is the shape of epithelial cells related to their function?

A

Flat cells facilitate diffusion, cuboidal cells support secretion/absorption, and columnar cells aid in specialized tasks.

78
Q

How does the basement membrane support epithelial cells?

A

By providing structural support and separating them from connective tissue.

79
Q

How does the loss of epithelial integrity contribute to chronic wounds?

A

It impairs the barrier and regenerative capabilities, leading to infections.

80
Q

What happens when epithelial tight junctions are disrupted in the intestines?

A

Increased permeability can lead to leaky gut syndrome and inflammation.

81
Q

Why is epithelial tissue highly regenerative compared to other tissues?

A

It is exposed to constant wear and damage, requiring rapid turnover.

82
Q

How does the polarity of epithelial cells support directional secretion?

A

Apical domains release products into the lumen, while basal domains anchor cells.

83
Q

Why is it important for glandular epithelium to form tight aggregates?

A

To concentrate secretory activity and prevent leakage.

84
Q

What is the role of desmosomes in epithelial cells?

A

They anchor adjacent cells to resist mechanical stress.

85
Q

How do integrins in the basement membrane support epithelial cells?

A

They mediate attachment and signal transduction.

86
Q

What type of secretion is performed by goblet cells?

A

Mucus secretion to lubricate and protect surfaces.

87
Q

How do microvilli in epithelial cells enhance absorption?

A

By significantly increasing the surface area.

88
Q

What cells can be found in the epidermis?

A

Keratinocytes (95% of the cells) !!
Melanocytes (melanin synthesis) Langerhans cells (defence processes)
Merkel cells (tactile receptors)

Histology (4 decks)

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