Epithelial Tissue: Structure and Functions

Study Notes

Forms the lining of organs, glands, and other body surfaces
Functions:
- Protection and absorption
- Secretion and excretion
- Sensation and detection
Characteristics:
- Cells are tightly packed and often have a basement membrane
- Apical and basal surfaces
- Limited regenerative capacity
Types:
- Squamous (flat, plate-like cells)
- Cuboidal (cube-shaped cells)
- Columnar (tall, column-like cells)
- Transitional (can change shape)

Provides support, structure, and connectivity to the body
Functions:
- Connects and supports organs and tissues
- Provides structural framework for the body
- Stores energy and nutrients
- Protects the body from infection and disease
Characteristics:
- Cells are dispersed in a matrix of fibers and ground substance
- Matrix composition varies depending on the type of connective tissue
Types:
- Loose connective tissue (e.g., areolar, adipose)
- Dense connective tissue (e.g., bone, cartilage)
- Specialized connective tissue (e.g., blood, lymph)

Responsible for transmitting and processing information
Functions:
- Receives and interprets stimuli
- Integrates and processes information
- Transmits signals to other cells and tissues
Characteristics:
- Cells are highly specialized and have distinct structures
- Neurons have dendrites, a cell body, and an axon
- Glial cells provide support and maintenance
Types:
- Neurons (sensory, motor, interneurons)
- Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia)

Responsible for movement and contraction
Functions:
- Movement and locomotion
- Maintenance of posture and balance
- Regulation of body temperature
Characteristics:
- Cells are specialized for contraction and relaxation
- Muscle fibers are multinucleated and have striations
Types:
- Skeletal muscle (voluntary, attached to bones)
- Smooth muscle (involuntary, found in walls of hollow organs)
- Cardiac muscle (involuntary, found in the heart)

Forms the lining of organs, glands, and body surfaces, protecting and absorbing substances
Functions in secretion, excretion, sensation, and detection
Characterized by tightly packed cells, often with a basement membrane, and distinct apical and basal surfaces
Has limited regenerative capacity
Types include:
- Squamous: flat, plate-like cells
- Cuboidal: cube-shaped cells
- Columnar: tall, column-like cells
- Transitional: cells that can change shape

Provides support, structure, and connectivity to the body, connecting and supporting organs and tissues
Functions in storing energy and nutrients, and protecting the body from infection and disease
Characterized by cells dispersed in a matrix of fibers and ground substance
Matrix composition varies depending on the type of connective tissue
Types include:
- Loose connective tissue: e.g., areolar, adipose
- Dense connective tissue: e.g., bone, cartilage
- Specialized connective tissue: e.g., blood, lymph

Responsible for transmitting and processing information, receiving and interpreting stimuli
Functions in integrating and processing information, and transmitting signals to other cells and tissues
Characterized by highly specialized cells with distinct structures
Neurons have dendrites, a cell body, and an axon, while glial cells provide support and maintenance
Types include:
- Neurons: sensory, motor, interneurons
- Glial cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia

Responsible for movement and contraction, maintaining posture and balance, and regulating body temperature
Functions in movement and locomotion
Characterized by cells specialized for contraction and relaxation
Muscle fibers are multinucleated and have striations
Types include:
- Skeletal muscle: voluntary, attached to bones
- Smooth muscle: involuntary, found in walls of hollow organs
- Cardiac muscle: involuntary, found in the heart