Epithelial Tissue Functions and Characteristics

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What is the main function of epithelial tissue?

Support

Contraction

Diffusion (correct)

Energy production

How are epithelial cells nourished?

They do not require nourishment

Directly from the bloodstream

By the surrounding connective tissue (correct)

By diffusion from the external environment

Which membrane of the epithelial cell is directed towards the lumen?

Cytoplasmic membrane

Apical plasma membrane (correct)

Basal plasma membrane

Lateral plasma membrane

What is the role of the basement membrane in relation to epithelial tissue?

Anchoring epithelial cells to the underlying connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Why are epithelial cells described as polarized?

Their different structures in the apical, lateral, and basal domains Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the apical domain of epithelial cells?

Abundant ion channels and transport proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of microvilli in the small intestine and renal tubules?

Transport and absorption Signup and view all the answers

Where do cilia mostly appear in the body?

Respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of stereocilia in the male reproductive system and in the cochlea?

Increase absorption surface and help movement of the medium Signup and view all the answers

Which structure provides rigidity to epithelial cells, making them resistant to external damages?

Keratin Signup and view all the answers

Which structure forms a continuous band around the entire perimeter of the cell and seals completely the space between cells?

Zonula occludens or tight junction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of desmosomes in the lateral zones of epithelial cells?

Join the two cells and attach their cytoskeletons Signup and view all the answers

Where is the basement membrane located?

Between epithelia and connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What feature classifies simple squamous epithelium?

A single layer of thin, flattened cells. Signup and view all the answers

Where would you find mesothelium in the body?

Peritoneal cavities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of simple cuboidal epithelium?

Filters substances. Signup and view all the answers

Where do desmosomes mostly appear within epithelial cells?

At the lateral zones. Signup and view all the answers

Where does simple columnar epithelium with microvilli appear?

Digestive tract, gallbladder, and large gland ducts Signup and view all the answers

Where does stratified squamous keratinized epithelium appear?

Skin epidermis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of epithelium lines the ducts of some glands and can be used for absorption and secretion?

Stratified cuboidal epithelium Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the body does pseudostratified columnar epithelium mostly appear?

Respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of urothelium (transitional epithelium)?

Protection Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glands do not have an excretory duct and pour their secretion into the blood or lymphatic stream?

Endocrine glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of secretion in holocrine glands?

Maturation and release of dead cells Signup and view all the answers

Where do goblet cells, a type of unicellular gland, appear?

Digestive or respiratory track Signup and view all the answers