Introduction to Epithelial Cells

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What is the primary function of epithelial cells in the lining of the intestine?

Absorption (correct)

Protection

Contraction

Secretion

What is the characteristic that distinguishes muscular tissue from other tissue types?

Elongated cells specialized for contraction and movement (correct)

Abundant extracellular matrix

Closely aggregated polyhedral cells

Specialized for receiving and transmitting nerve impulses

What is the primary function of connective tissue?

To secrete hormones and other substances

To line the cavities of organs

To provide structure and support to the body (correct)

To receive and transmit nerve impulses

What is the characteristic that distinguishes nervous tissue from other tissue types?

Long, fine process specialized cells to receive, generate and transmit nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of parenchymal cells of glands?

To secrete hormones and other substances Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of epithelial tissue?

Closely aggregated polyhedral cells adhering to one another Signup and view all the answers

How many basic tissue types are there in the human body?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the basal lamina in muscle nerves and fat-storing cells?

To regulate macromolecular exchange between the enclosed cells and connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the shape and number of nuclei are important in epithelial cells?

To determine the number of cell layers in an epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the basal lamina and reticular lamina?

The basal lamina is a thin, sheet-like layer, while the reticular lamina is more fibrous Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the basement membrane in epithelial tissues?

To act as a semi-permeable filter for substances reaching epithelial cells from below Signup and view all the answers

Which type of epithelial cell is typically found in areas subject to friction?

Squamous cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of microvilli in epithelial cells?

To increase apical surface area for better absorption Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure that appears as a brush or striated border projecting into the lumen, commonly seen in cells lining the small intestine?

Microvilli Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the connective tissue that underlies epithelia lining the organs of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems?

Lamina propria Signup and view all the answers

In which system is stereocilia primarily found?

Reproductive system Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of papillae in epithelial tissues?

To increase the contact between epithelial and connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of stereocilia in epithelial cells?

To increase apical surface area for better absorption Signup and view all the answers

Why are the lipid-rich membranes of epithelial cells frequently indistinguishable by light microscope?

Because they are rich in lipids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of nutrients and oxygen for epithelial cells?

The connective tissue surrounding the epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the layer of fine fibrils that provides structural support for epithelial cells?

Basal lamina Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of secretory cells found in the lining of the small intestine and respiratory tract?

Secreting lubricating mucus that aids in organ functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?

Exocrine glands have ducts, while endocrine glands do not Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of capillaries adjacent to endocrine cells?

To absorb the secreted hormone products for transport in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What type of epithelium is commonly found in scattered secretory cells?

Simple cuboidal Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the tubular ducts in exocrine glands?

To deliver secreted materials to the surface Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell is abundantly found in the lining of the small intestine and respiratory tract?

Goblet cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of endocrine glands that distinguishes them from exocrine glands?

They lack ducts and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the epithelium lining the tubular ducts in exocrine glands?

To form a barrier against the external environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of microvilli in the intestinal brush borders?

To increase the cell surface area for absorption Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cilia in epithelial cells?

To move material over the epithelial surface in a parallel manner Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of secretory cells?

They synthesize, store, and release proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

How do glands develop from covering epithelial cells in the fetus?

By cell proliferation and growth into the underlying connective tissue followed by further differentiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the glycocalyx covering microvilli of the intestinal brush borders?

To include membrane-bound proteins and enzymes for digestion of macromolecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the primary cilium found in most cell types?

To detect light, odors, motion, and flow of liquid past the cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of epithelial cells that function in producing and secreting macromolecules?

They are called glands and develop from covering epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers