Endothelium Notes

Epithelial Tissue

Forms boundaries and covers surfaces, separating the body from the external environment.

Muscle Tissue

Facilitates contraction for movement.

Nervous Tissue

Responsible for communication and control within the body.

Connective Tissue

Offers support and connection between other tissues.

Barrier Formation

A function of epithelial tissue that separates the body from the external environment.

Exocrine Glands

Glands that secrete substances through ducts, such as mucus and sweat.

Endocrine Glands

Ductless glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Tight Junctions

Cell junctions that seal spaces between cells to prevent the passage of substances.

Avascular

Describes tissues that lack blood vessels and receive nutrients through diffusion.

Basal Surface

The surface of epithelial cells that attaches to the basement membrane.

Apical Surface

The surface of epithelial cells that faces the lumen or external environment.

Small Intestine

An example of epithelial tissue that specializes in nutrient absorption.

Gastric Gland

Specialized epithelial cells that generate and secrete acids in the stomach.

Continuous Capillaries

Capillaries characterized by tight junctions that act as barriers.

Fenestrated Capillaries

Capillaries with small pores for increased permeability.

Transitional Epithelium

A specialized form of epithelium that can expand and contract.

Cell Layers

Criteria used to classify epithelial tissue as simple (one layer) or stratified (multiple layers).

Cell Shape

Criteria used to classify epithelial cells as squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), or columnar (column-shaped).