Comprehensive Guide to Epithelial Tissues and Glandular Epithelium

What are the four basic tissues of the body?

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

What is the primary function of epithelial tissues?

To form the body's surface, line cavities, and cover organs.

How are epithelial tissues classified?

Into simple (single layer) and stratified (multiple layers) types.

What is a characteristic of epithelial tissues regarding blood supply?

Epithelial tissues are avascular and receive nutrition by diffusion.

What type of epithelium lines the heart and blood vessels?

Simple squamous epithelium.

What is the role of simple cuboidal epithelium?

Generally secretory, found in glands and kidney tubules.

Where is simple columnar epithelium primarily found?

In the gastrointestinal tract, involved in secretion and absorption.

What distinguishes pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

It appears stratified due to irregularly placed nuclei but is a single layer.

What is the function of cilia in pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

To move surface material through undulating strokes.

What is the primary function of stratified squamous epithelium?

To provide protection against wear and tear.

Where is transitional epithelium found?

Lining the urinary tract, allowing for stretch and contraction.

What is the function of glandular epithelium?

To produce and secrete/excrete various substances.

What are exocrine glands and give an example?

Glands that retain a duct to the surface, e.g., sweat glands.

How do endocrine glands differ from exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands lose their ducts and secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

What role do myoepithelial cells play in glandular epithelium?

They help in the discharge of glandular materials.

What is the significance of microvilli in simple columnar epithelium?

They increase the surface area for secretion and absorption.

What type of cells are found in the outermost layer of stratified squamous epithelium?

Flat, desiccated, non-nucleated cells containing keratin.

What happens to transitional epithelium when the bladder is distended?

The cells stretch out to form a smooth, thin surface.

What is the basement membrane's role in epithelial tissues?

It anchors epithelial tissues to underlying connective tissues.

What is the primary characteristic of simple squamous epithelium?

Facilitates rapid diffusion of gases.

Where can you find stratified squamous epithelium in the body?

In the skin, oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus.