Epithelial Tissue Characteristics

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What is the primary function of the basement membrane in epithelial cells?

To provide a site of attachment for the epithelium

To regulate cell-cell junctions

To act as a selective filtration barrier (correct)

To facilitate cell renewal

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of epithelial cells?

They have a direct blood supply (correct)

They have a basement membrane

They have specialized cell-cell junctions

They have a high rate of cell renewal

What is the primary function of the lamina propria in epithelial cells?

To regulate the selective filtration barrier

To facilitate cell-cell junctions

To provide support to the overlying epithelium (correct)

To provide a site of innervation for the epithelial cells

Which of the following proteins is NOT a component of the basal lamina?

Keratin Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the basal lamina in the diagnosis of malignant epithelial tumors?

It allows for the diagnosis of malignant epithelial tumors by their ability to break through the basement membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of nutrition for epithelial cells?

Diffusion from adjacent connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the apical pole of epithelial cells?

May contain enzymes such as disaccharidases and peptidases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary means of nutrient delivery to epithelial tissues?

Diffusion of metabolites through the basal lamina Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which epithelial cells are renewed continuously?

Mitosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the transformation of one type of adult epithelial tissue into another adult type?

Metaplasia Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the basal surface of epithelial cells?

Receptors for chemical messengers Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the differential and stable organization of cell organelles and membrane proteins in epithelial cells?

Polarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sensory nerve endings in epithelial tissues?

Reception of sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the lateral surface of epithelial cells?

No specific characteristic Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which epithelial cells receive nutrients?

Nutrition Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the organization of epithelial cells in endocrine glands?

Form anastomosing cords interspersed between dilated blood capillaries Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the basal region of serous cells?

It has intense basophilia Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of myoepithelial cells in exocrine glands?

To contract around the secretory portion of the gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the apical pole of goblet cells?

It contains numerous large, lightly staining granules Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the ability of certain cells to take up amine precursors and exhibit amino acid decarboxylase activity?

APUD Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the system of endocrine cells interspersed among non-endocrine cells?

DNES Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the secretory granules in neuroendocrine cells?

They are found in the basal region of the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of paracrine cells?

To regulate the function of neighboring cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the nucleus in mucus-secreting cells?

It is located in the cell base Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which secretory granules are released from the cell?

Exocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the cytoplasm in myoepithelial cells?

It contains numerous actin and myosin filaments Signup and view all the answers