Tissue
Groups of cells that are similar in structure and perform a similar or related function
Epithelial Tissue
sheet of cells that covers a body surface; or lines a body cavity; found in the body:
Epithelial General Functions
Epithelial General Characteristics
Apical Surfaces
Upper or free surface of epithelial tissue; can be smooth and slick but most will have microvilli or cilia
Microvilli
Fnger like extensions or the plasma membrane they increase the surface area in epithelial that absorb and secrets substances. It is often so dense that the cell apexes have a fuzzy appearance (brush boarder)
Cilia
Found in specific spaces (lining of trachea), they are tiny hair like projects that propel substances along their free surfaces.
Basal Surface
Lower attached surface of epithelial tissue
Basal Lamina
None cellular, it’s a thin cellular sheet of glycol-proteins + fine collagen fibers. It acts as a selective filter that determines which molecules can cross from the connective
Reticular Lamina
A layer of extra cellular material which contains collagen protein
Basement Membrane
Formed by the two lamina (basal and reticular lamina)
Classification - Number of Cell Layers
A. Simple epithelia – single cell layer and is typically found where absorption, secretion, and filtration occur.
B. Stratified epithelia – composed of 2 or more cells layers stacked one on top of the other and is common in high abrasion areas where protection is important (skin surface and inside the mouth)
Classification - Cell Shape
A. Squamous cells – flattened and scale like
B. Cuboidal cells – box like they are as tall as they are wide
C. Columnar cells – tall and column shaped
Simple Squamous Epithelia
Endothelium
Specialized, simple squamous epithelium found in the lymphatic vessels and in all hollow organs of the cardiovascular systems (blood vessels and the heart) capillaries consists exclusively of endothelium and its thinness encourages the efficient exchange of nutrients and wastes between the bloodstream and surrounding tissue cells.
Mesothelium
The epithelium found in serous membranes lining the ventral body cavity and covering its organs
Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
Simple Columnar Epithelium
Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium
Stratified Squamous Epithelium
Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium
Rare in the body, mostly found in the ducts of some of the larger glands (sweat glands, mammary glands)
Stratified Columnar Epithelium
Limited distribution in the body; small amounts are found in the pharynx, the male urethra, and lining some glandular ducts; also occurs at transition areas or junctions between two other types of epithelia
Transitional Epithelium
Glandular Epithelia
a. Glands – consists of one or more cells that make and secrete a particular product
b. General classification – endocrine (internally secreting) or exocrine (externally secreting) depending on where they release their product, and as unicellular or multicellular based on the relative cell number making up the glands