Lining Epithelium Lecture Notes

This flashcard set covers key concepts and terminology related to lining epithelium, its properties, functions, and classification.

Lining Epithelium

A type of tissue that forms a continuous sheet to cover the body's surfaces and line internal cavities and organs.

Histology

The microscopic study of tissues within organs.

Covering Epithelia

Epithelial cells that cover the internal and external surfaces of the body.

Glandular Epithelia

Cells that produce substances to be secreted, either into the bloodstream (endocrine) or outside the body via a duct (exocrine).

Basal Lamina

A thin layer separating the epithelial tissue from the underlying connective tissue.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of epithelial cells.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

A single layer of cells appearing layered due to varying nuclear heights; all cells rest on the basal lamina.

Transitional Epithelium

A specialized epithelium that can change its shape based on the physiological state, like that of the bladder.

Microvilli

Short, finger-like extensions of the plasma membrane that increase the surface area for absorption.

Cilia

Extensions of the apical plasma membrane that help move fluids and particles across epithelial surfaces.

Permeability of Lining Epithelium

Nutrition occurs through diffusion from underlying capillary networks in the connective tissue.

Hyperplasia

An excessive proliferation of epithelial cells resulting in thickening of the epithelium.

Metaplasia

The transformation of one differentiated type of cell into another, a physiological phenomenon.

Dysplasia

Abnormal cell development, often a precancerous condition.

Interdigitations

Interpenetrations of the lateral plasma membranes of two neighboring epithelial cells.