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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of epithelial tissues?
What is the primary purpose of epithelial tissues?
- Cover and protect surfaces (correct)
- Transport nutrients to other tissues
- Store energy
- Muscle contraction
How are epithelial tissues classified?
How are epithelial tissues classified?
- Based on their relation to muscles
- Based on their growth direction
- Based on their color and texture
- Based on stratifications and cell morphology (correct)
Which component serves as an anchor for epithelial cells?
Which component serves as an anchor for epithelial cells?
- Connective tissue matrix
- Adhesion complex
- Basement membrane (correct)
- Epithelial matrix
What is the mode of nutrient delivery in epithelial tissues?
What is the mode of nutrient delivery in epithelial tissues?
Which structures are responsible for moving mucus in the respiratory tract?
Which structures are responsible for moving mucus in the respiratory tract?
What function do microvilli serve in epithelial tissues?
What function do microvilli serve in epithelial tissues?
Which junction is primarily responsible for preventing the entry of materials between epithelial cells?
Which junction is primarily responsible for preventing the entry of materials between epithelial cells?
What role do hemidesmosomes play in epithelial tissues?
What role do hemidesmosomes play in epithelial tissues?
Flashcards
Epithelial Tissues
Epithelial Tissues
Sheets of cells covering external surfaces and lining internal cavities for protection.
Stratification
Stratification
Classification based on the number of layers present in epithelial tissues.
Basement Membrane
Basement Membrane
A barrier anchoring epithelial cells to underlying connective tissue, consisting of basal and reticular layers.
Diffusion in Epithelium
Diffusion in Epithelium
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High Mitotic Rate
High Mitotic Rate
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Motile Cilia
Motile Cilia
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Tight Junctions
Tight Junctions
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Gap Junctions
Gap Junctions
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Study Notes
Epithelial Tissues: Structure and Function
- Sheets of cells covering external surfaces (skin) and lining internal cavities of organs, primarily for protection and covering.
- Classified by cell layers (stratification) and cell shape.
- Separated from underlying connective tissue by a basement membrane.
- The basement membrane has two layers: the basal lamina (attached to epithelial cells) and the reticular lamina (collagen-rich).
- Almost all epithelial tissues are non-vascular (except the inner ear).
- Depend on diffusion for nutrient delivery and waste removal (thickness limits this).
- High mitotic rate for consistent cell replacement.
- Luminal surface of epithelium is referred to as the apical surface.
Specializations of Epithelial Surfaces
- Motile cilia: Found in reproductive and respiratory tracts, for moving fluids (e.g., mucus, gametes).
- Microvilli: Tiny projections on apical surfaces, increasing surface area for absorption. Found in small intestine and kidney (proximal convoluted tubule - PCT).
- Stereocilia: Longer, non-motile projections, primarily for absorption. Found in epididymis, vas deferens and inner ear.
Junctional Complexes
- Tight junctions (zonula occludens): Form a seal, preventing leakage between cells.
- Adhering junctions (zonula adherens): Provide strong adhesion between cells.
- Desmosomes: Protect against mechanical stress by anchoring cells together.
- Hemidesmosomes: Attach epithelial cells to the basement membrane.
- Gap junctions: Allow selective molecule diffusion and communication between cells.
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