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What is the characteristic of epithelial tissue in terms of intercellular space?
What is the characteristic of epithelial tissue in terms of intercellular space?
How do epithelial cells receive nourishment?
How do epithelial cells receive nourishment?
What is the characteristic of epithelial cells in terms of polarity?
What is the characteristic of epithelial cells in terms of polarity?
What is the characteristic of epithelial tissue in terms of regenerative capacity?
What is the characteristic of epithelial tissue in terms of regenerative capacity?
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What are the two main types of epithelia?
What are the two main types of epithelia?
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What is the characteristic of simple squamous epithelia?
What is the characteristic of simple squamous epithelia?
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What is the function of simple cuboidal epithelia?
What is the function of simple cuboidal epithelia?
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What is the characteristic of simple columnar epithelia?
What is the characteristic of simple columnar epithelia?
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Study Notes
General Features of Epithelial Tissue
- Intercellular space is very limited, approximately 20 nm.
- Epithelial tissue is usually avascular, and cells receive nourishment through diffusion from adjacent supporting tissue.
- Cells rest on a basement membrane.
- Cells exhibit polarity and surface modifications.
- Epithelial tissue has a good regenerative capacity, and metaplasia (change from one type to another) can occur.
- Epithelial tissue is derived from all three germ layers.
Types of Epithelia
- Epithelial tissue can be divided into two main types: covering (lining) epithelia and secretory (glandular) epithelia.
Covering Epithelia
- Classified into two categories based on the number of cell layers and cell morphology in the outer layer: simple epithelia and stratified epithelia.
- Simple epithelia consist of a single cell layer resting on the basement membrane.
- Stratified epithelia consist of two or more cell layers, with the basal layer resting on the basement membrane.
Types of Simple Epithelia
- Classified into three categories based on cell shape:
Simple Squamous Epithelia
- Composed of a single layer of flattened cells.
- Cell height is very little compared to cell width.
- Nuclei are oval and centrally located.
- Functions: facilitates rapid transport of substances, diffusion of gases, and filtration of fluids.
- Examples: Alveoli of the lungs, endothelium lining blood vessels.
Simple Cuboidal Epithelia
- Cells have approximately equal height and width.
- Nuclei are usually rounded and centrally placed.
- Functions: primarily concerned with secretory, absorptive, and excretory functions.
- Examples: Thyroid gland follicles, ducts of large glands.
Simple Columnar Epithelia
- Cells are taller than they are wide.
- Nuclei are elongated and located in the lower half of the cells.
- In some cases, the cell surface bears cilia.
- Examples: Lining epithelium of the fallopian tube.
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Description
This quiz covers the general features of epithelial tissue, including its structure, properties, and types. Learn about the characteristics of epithelial tissue and its functions in the human body.
