Tissues of the Body L2.2 Flashcards
Define the term “gland”
Epithelial cell / collection of epithelial cells involved in SECRETION of a substance
Describe the classification of glands
- Destination of secretion
(exocrine (via duct), endocrine (ductless, direcrtly into blood, affect distant tissues). - Means of secretion (types):
merocrine/eccrine - most glands
apocrine - mammary gland
holocrine - sebaceous glands - Morphology: Duct system can be branched (compound - MULTIPLE BRANCHED DUCTS) and unbranched (simple - `SINGLE UNBRANCHED DUCTS). Secretory component can be tubular or acinar (berry like)
- Nature of secretion: Serous / Mucous
State an example of a mixed glandular tissue
Exocrine and Endocrine
Pancreas
Endocrine part: islet (produces insulin)
Exocrine part: serous acini bear zymogen granules
Give an example of a mixed serous mucous gland
Submandibular gland
State an example of a unicellular gland
Goblet cells - release mucins
How are mucins detected?
PAS staining
Mucins are highly glycosylated
Therefore, hydrophillic
washed away during histological preparations
Residual olisaccharides detcted by PAS staining
Describe what happens to mucins produced from goblet cells
Hydrated to form mucus
Look at the diagrm. Given what you know about the nature of goblet cell secretions, explain why goblet cells have an extensive Golgi network
Important for glycosylation
Mucins are highly glycosylated proteins
Describe the classification of glands by nature of secretions
Mucous / Serous
- Mucous glands: Secretions contain mucous (rich in mucins, highly glycosylated polypeptides).
- Serous glands: Secretions are watery and protein rich (contain enzymes).
Describe the appearance of mucous glands in H&E staining
Stain poorly / less intense than serous glands
Foamy appearance
Because mucus washed away during H&E staining
Describe the appearance of serous glands in H&E stainining
Highly eosiniphilic
Stain intensely with haemotoxylin (due to abundant RER)
Describe merocrine secretion
- Membrane-bound secretory vesicle released from golgi apparatus
- Fuses with plasma membrane
- Now, it is non-membrane bound and secretes its contents into extracellular space
- Plasma membrane becomes transiently larger
Describe transcytosis
Endocytosis + secretion combined
Why is the glycosylation of newly-synthesised proteins in the golgi apparatus important?
Gives them distinct structure
Describe the cause of cystic fibrosis
- Mutation in CFTR gene (encodes Cl- channel protein - Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator). Mutation prevents expression of CFTR on apical epithelial membranes,
- Decrease in Cl- secretion. Increase in intracellular Cl-, retention of Na+ in epithelial cells. Water follows salt, warer reabsorption by osmosis increases
- Secreted mucus therefore not adequately hydrared, becomes viscous, difficult for mucus to be moved to oropharynx for swallowing
- Results in obstruction in airways, therefore, infections
Describe why “salty sweat” can be seen as a risk factor for cystic fibrosis / confirm diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
Absence of CTFR in apical membrane of epithelial cells of sweat duct
Poor reabsorption of Cl-
Suppresses Na+ resorption
Why was Cystic Fibrosis previously known as the fibrocystic disease of the pancreas?
During CF, exocrine secretions dehydrated
Thickened, block ducts
Exocrine pancreas inflamed (pancreatitis) + fibrotic
Gut receives insufficient pancreatic digestive enzymes (lipase), leads to malabsorption, and therefore, fatty stools, diarrhoea etc
Major salivary glands
- Submandibular
- Parotid
- Sublingual
Table comparing submandibular, parotid and sublingual glands
How is saliva release stimulated?
Ingestion of food
Parasympathetic innervation
Describe xerostomia
Strong sympathatic (when nervous) innervation
Leads to DRY MOUTH
State function of straited ducts in submandibular gland
Facilitate ELECTROLYTE RESORPTION