Histology: Specialized Epithelium

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Questions and Answers

Which type of gland is characterized by its secretion of hormones into the bloodstream without the presence of ducts?

Myoepithelial glands

Mixed glands

Endocrine glands (correct)

Exocrine glands

All specialized epithelium types are involved in secretion.

False

Define myoepithelium.

Myoepithelium is a layer of contractile cells located between the basement membrane and the epithelial cells, aiding in the expulsion of glandular secretions.

Glands like the mammary gland are classified as __________ glands due to the pinching off of the apical part of the cell during secretion.

apocrine Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of secretion with their characteristics:

Merocrine = Whole cell is destroyed during secretion Apocrine = Minimal changes occur, secretion via exocytosis Holocrine = Apical part of the cell is pinched off Endocrine = Secretion diffuses into blood Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gland is formed of a secretory portion (acini) and an excretory portion (duct system)?

Exocrine glands Signup and view all the answers

Goblet cells are an example of multicellular glands.

False Signup and view all the answers

Mention one example of a mixed gland.

Pancreas Signup and view all the answers

Neuroepithelium acts primarily as __________.

receptors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of secretion classified for epithelial glands?

Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which type of gland is known for secreting mucous?

Goblet cells Signup and view all the answers

All exocrine glands have a secretory part and a duct system.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are myoepithelial cells also known as?

Basket cells Signup and view all the answers

The ducts of a compound exocrine gland ultimately drain into a single _______.

duct Signup and view all the answers

Which glands have a tubular shape?

Tubular glands Signup and view all the answers

Myoepithelial cells help in secretion by relaxing around the secretory portions of glands.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the specialized epithelial cells associated with taste.

Taste buds Signup and view all the answers

The _______ of Corti is located in the inner ear and is associated with hearing.

Organ Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a classification based on the secretion type of glands?

Amorphous glands Signup and view all the answers

Match the secretory gland types with their examples:

Serous glands = Exocrine pancreas Mucous glands = Goblet cells Mucoserous glands = Sublingual gland Alveolar glands = Parotid gland Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Specialized Epithelium

Epithelial cells that are modified to become specialized in certain functions, such as secretion, contraction, or acting as a receptor.
Types of specialized epithelium include:
- Glandular Epithelium
- Myoepithelium
- Neuroepithelium

Glandular Epithelium

Epithelial cells that are modified to secrete.
Classified by the presence or absence of ducts.

Exocrine Glands

Possess both a secretory portion (acini) and an excretory portion (duct system).
Excretory ducts carry secretions outside the gland.

Endocrine Glands

Composed of secretory cells, but lack a duct system.
Secrete hormones that diffuse into the blood through fenestrated capillaries.

Mixed Glands

Contain both exocrine (duct) and endocrine (no duct) parts.
Example: Pancreas

Classification of Exocrine Glands

Based on the number of cells:
- Unicellular glands: Single cells that secrete. Example: Goblet cells.
- Multicellular glands: Multiple cells grouped together to form a gland. Examples: Parotid and lacrimal glands.
Based on the mode (mechanism) of secretion:
- Merocrine: Minimal cellular changes occur during secretion. Secretions are stored in vesicles and released via exocytosis. Examples: Sweat glands, goblet cells.
- Apocrine: Apical part of the cell is pinched off during secretion. Example: Mammary gland.
- Holocrine: Entire cell is destroyed during secretion and is replaced by another cell. Example: Sebaceous glands.
Based on the type (nature) of secretion:
- Serous glands: Secrete watery, protein-rich fluids. Example: Exocrine pancreas, parotid gland.
- Mucous glands: Secrete viscous, mucin-rich fluids. Examples: Goblet cells, labial gland, Brunner's glands, tracheal glands.
- Mucoserous glands: Secrete a mixture of serous and mucous fluids. Examples: Sublingual and submandibular glands.
Based on the shape (branching) of the duct:
- Simple: All secretory cells discharge into a single duct.
- Compound: Each group of secretory cells discharges into its own duct, which then unites to form a single large duct.
Based on the shape of the secretory unit:
- Tubular glands: Tube-like shape.
- Alveolar (acinar) glands: Sac-like shape.
- Tubuloalveolar (tubuloacinar) glands: Combination of tubular and sac-like shapes.

Myoepithelium

Also called basket cells.
Contractile epithelial cells found between the basal lamina and the basal surface of secretory or ductal cells in exocrine glands.
Characteristics:
- Stellate (star-shaped) cells with many processes that surround secretory units.
- Connected to each other and epithelial cells by gap junctions and desmosomes.
- Contain actin filaments, myosin, and cytokeratin filaments.
Function: Contract around the secretory portion of the gland, squeezing the contents outside the gland.

Neuroepithelium

Epithelial cells specialized to act as receptors.
Associated with special sense organs.
Examples:
- Taste buds: Found in the tongue for gustation (taste).
- Organ of Corti: Located in the inner ear for hearing.
- Macula & crista ampullaris: Found in the inner ear for equilibrium.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of specialized epithelium in this quiz. Learn about glandular, myoepithelial, and neuroepithelial cells, as well as the differences between exocrine and endocrine glands. Test your knowledge on gland classification and functions of these essential tissues.