Histology

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to histology, specifically focusing on the different types of epithelial tissues and their characteristics.

Tissue

A group of cells that have a similar appearance and a common function.

Epithelial Tissue

A sheet of cells that covers a body surface, lines a body cavity, or forms glands.

Basement Membrane

The thin layer that attaches epithelial tissue to underlying tissues, composed of an upper basal lamina and a lower reticular lamina.

Apical Surface

The surface of epithelial tissue that is exposed to the body exterior or a body cavity.

Basal Surface

The surface of epithelial tissue that is attached to the underlying basement membrane.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

More than one layer of cells.

Squamous Cells

Flat cells.

Cuboidal Cells

Cells that are approximately the same height as they are wide.

Columnar Cells

Cells that are taller than they are wide.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of squamous cells that decreases friction and allows small molecules to pass through easily.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cuboidal cells found in the kidney and many glands.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A single layer of columnar cells that lines most of the gastrointestinal tract.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Columnar tissue that appears stratified due to nuclei at different levels, usually has cilia, and lines most of the upper respiratory tract.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers with squamous cells at the apical surface, resistant to abrasion; found in the outer layer of skin.

Transitional Epithelium

Epithelium that resembles stratified cuboidal when relaxed and stratified squamous when stretched; lines the urinary collecting system.