Epithelial Tissue Flashcards

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.

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.

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.