Epithelial Tissue Flashcards

Epithelial Tissue Types

• Transitional Epithelium

  • Function: Allows for stretching and recoil.
  • Location: Found in bladder, vagina, and anus; characterized by cuboidal cells.

• Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

  • Function: Primarily for secretion and absorption.
  • Location: Present in kidney tubules and thyroid gland.

• Simple Columnar Epithelium

  • Function: Involved in absorption and secretion.
  • Location: Lines stomach, intestines, gallbladder, and uterine ducts.

• Simple Squamous Epithelium

  • Function: Facilitates absorption, diffusion, and reduces friction.
  • Location: Covers capillary walls, eyes, and lung alveoli.

• Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Keratinized

  • Characteristic: Tough, water-resistant layer that protects against abrasion and dehydration.
  • Location: Found in hair, nails, and skin.

• Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Non-keratinized

  • Function: Resists abrasion but susceptible to drying.
  • Location: Lines pharynx, esophagus, anus, and vagina.

• Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

  • Function: Engages in secretion and absorption.
  • Location: Present in sweat glands and mammary glands.

• Stratified Columnar Epithelium

  • Function: Functions in absorption and secretion.
  • Location: Found in salivary glands and pancreas.

• Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

  • Function: Involved in absorption and secretion.
  • Location: Lines male reproductive tract, trachea, and nasal cavities.

Functions and Characteristics of Epithelia

• Epithelia

  • Composed of skin and both exocrine and endocrine glands.
  • Covers exposed surfaces and protects against physical damage.
  • Responsible for selective absorption and secretion.
  • Provides sensation and lines internal cavities and passageways.

• Exocrine Glands

  • Secrete substances onto external surfaces or into ducts.

• Endocrine Glands

  • Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream for systemic distribution.

• Neuroepithelium

  • Specialized sensory epithelium located in specific sense organs.

Structural Components of Epithelial Tissue

• Apical Surface

  • The surface facing the exterior of the body or internal cavities; the topmost layer.

• Base

  • The surface that is anchored to underlying tissues.

• Basolateral Surface

  • Incorporates both the base and the lateral sides of epithelial cells.

• Polarity

  • Refers to the structural and functional differences between the exposed (apical) and attached (basolateral) surfaces.

• Lumen

  • The inner space of a tubular structure within the body.

• Mesothelium

  • A type of simple squamous epithelium that lines the ventral body cavities.

• Endothelium

  • A specialized simple squamous epithelium that lines the interior of the heart and blood vessels.