32 Questions
What is the main function of epithelial tissue?
Diffusion
How are epithelial cells nourished?
From the underlying connective tissue
Where do epithelial cells attach to the basement membrane?
Basal surface
Which structure of the epithelial cell is directed towards the lumen and contains abundant ion channels and transport proteins?
Microvilli
What are microvilli made of?
Actin filaments
Which of the following is NOT a function of epithelial tissue?
Contraction
What type of tissue nourishes the epithelial cells?
Connective tissue
What is the function of the basal surface of epithelial cells?
Attachment to the basement membrane
Which domain of the epithelial cell contains rigid structures formed by actin filaments?
Stereocilia Keratin Microvilli
What kind of structures are cilia and microvilli in the context of epithelial cells?
Intracellular extensions
What is the primary function of microvilli and cilia?
Increasing the surface area of the cell for effective transport and absorption
In which part of the body are cilia primarily found?
Respiratory tract
What is the structure of cilia?
A pair of microtubules surrounded by 9 microtubule doublets
What does keratin do for epithelial cells?
Provides rigidity to the cells
Which type of epithelium is found in areas subjected to friction such as the skin and the lining of the oral cavity?
Stratified squamous epithelium
What is the function of communicating junctions (Gap junctions or nexus)?
Allowing the passage of ions and small molecules between cells
Where is simple cuboidal epithelium found?
Gland ducts, covering of the ovary, and some renal tubules
What is the function of desmosomes in epithelial cells?
Attaching the cytoskeletons of neighboring cells, providing both cell-cell adhesion and mechanical strength
Where does simple columnar epithelium with microvilli mainly line?
Digestive tract
Which type of epithelium is most resistant and impermeable, and where does it mainly appear?
Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium; appears in the epidermis of skin
Where is stratified cuboidal epithelium mainly found?
Gland ducts
What type of cells does pseudostratified columnar epithelium mainly contain?
Tall cells with cilia
Which type of glands originate from epithelial cells that penetrate underlying connective tissue?
Exocrine glands
Where do endocrine glands release their secretions?
They do not release secretions
What does the pancreas mainly secrete?
Pancreatic juices and hormones insulin and glucagon
2
Simple columnar epithelium with microvilli; covers mouth, oropharynx, esophagus, vagina, and other internal surfaces; protected by mucous secretion
Where does pseudostratified columnar epithelium mainly appear?
Respiratory tract, male reproductive system, and gland ducts
Which type of epithelium appears in the conjunctiva, some large gland ducts, and male urethra?
Stratified columnar epithelium
Where does urothelium (transitional epithelium) mainly appear?
Urinary tract
What does stratified squamous epithelium primarily cover?
Mouth
Which type of glands release secretion products to external environments or cavities through ducts?
Exocrine glands
What is the function of glandular epithelia?
Manufacture secretion products
Study Notes
-
Simple columnar epithelium with microvilli: lines the digestive tract, gallbladder, and large gland ducts; increases absorption surface with microvilli
-
Stratified squamous epithelium: formed by several layers of cells, only the deepest layer contacts the basement membrane; covers mouth, oropharynx, esophagus, vagina, and other internal surfaces; protected by mucous secretion
-
Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium: similar to flat mucosal, but apical cells are dead and filled with keratin; most resistant and impermeable epithelium; appears mainly in epidermis of skin
-
Stratified cuboidal epithelium: contains multiple layers of cuboidal cells, lines gland ducts; can be used for absorption and secretion
-
Stratified columnar epithelium: basal layers are polyhedral or cuboidal, surface layer is cylindrical; appears in the conjunctiva, some large gland ducts, and male urethra
-
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium: single layer of tall cells, all contact basement membrane, but not all reach lumen; contains cilia; appears mostly in respiratory tract, male reproductive system, and gland ducts
-
Urothelium (transitional epithelium): appears only in urinary tract, consists of one or several layers of cells, pseudostratified appearance; basal cells are cuboidal or cylindrical, most apical cells are large and rounded; adapts to changes in organ dimensions
-
Glandular epithelia: originate from epithelial cells that penetrate underlying connective tissue, manufacture secretion products; can be exocrine or endocrine
-
Exocrine glands: release secretion products to external environment or cavities through ducts; can be simple, compound, branched, tubular, acinar, or alveolar; secrete mucosae, serous, or mixed secretions
-
Endocrine glands: do not release secretions into a duct; secretions are hormones; can be cordal or follicular; collect secretions through capillaries
-
Pancreas: exocrine gland that secretes pancreatic juices and hormones insulin and glucagon
-
Thyroid: endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating metabolism and growth.
-
Simple columnar epithelium with microvilli: lines the digestive tract, gallbladder, and large gland ducts; increases absorption surface with microvilli
-
Stratified squamous epithelium: formed by several layers of cells, only the deepest layer contacts the basement membrane; covers mouth, oropharynx, esophagus, vagina, and other internal surfaces; protected by mucous secretion
-
Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium: similar to flat mucosal, but apical cells are dead and filled with keratin; most resistant and impermeable epithelium; appears mainly in epidermis of skin
-
Stratified cuboidal epithelium: contains multiple layers of cuboidal cells, lines gland ducts; can be used for absorption and secretion
-
Stratified columnar epithelium: basal layers are polyhedral or cuboidal, surface layer is cylindrical; appears in the conjunctiva, some large gland ducts, and male urethra
-
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium: single layer of tall cells, all contact basement membrane, but not all reach lumen; contains cilia; appears mostly in respiratory tract, male reproductive system, and gland ducts
-
Urothelium (transitional epithelium): appears only in urinary tract, consists of one or several layers of cells, pseudostratified appearance; basal cells are cuboidal or cylindrical, most apical cells are large and rounded; adapts to changes in organ dimensions
-
Glandular epithelia: originate from epithelial cells that penetrate underlying connective tissue, manufacture secretion products; can be exocrine or endocrine
-
Exocrine glands: release secretion products to external environment or cavities through ducts; can be simple, compound, branched, tubular, acinar, or alveolar; secrete mucosae, serous, or mixed secretions
-
Endocrine glands: do not release secretions into a duct; secretions are hormones; can be cordal or follicular; collect secretions through capillaries
-
Pancreas: exocrine gland that secretes pancreatic juices and hormones insulin and glucagon
-
Thyroid: endocrine gland that produces hormones regulating metabolism and growth.
Test your knowledge of epithelial tissue functions, structure, and characteristics with this quiz. Learn about the important roles of epithelial cells in covering and protecting body surfaces, as well as their involvement in absorption, secretion, and more.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
