Exam 2 Epithelial Tissues

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the characteristics and types of tissues, focusing on epithelial tissue and its classification.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The material outside of cells that consists of fluid, ground substance, and fibrous proteins like collagen.

Epithelial Tissue

A type of tissue that covers internal and external body surfaces.

What are the basic functions of epithelial tissue?

Protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion, and sensory reception.

Polar cells

Cells that have distinct sides, including an apical surface facing a lumen.

Basolateral Surface

The side of epithelial cells that is attached to connective tissue and other cells through cell junctions.

What special characteristic of epithelial tissue involves cells being tightly joined by specialized connections?

Specialized contacts (e.g., tight junctions, desmosomes).

How is epithelial tissue typically supported structurally?

By an underlying layer of connective tissue, separated by a basement membrane.

Describe the vascular and neural supply of epithelial tissue.

Avascular (lacks blood vessels) but innervated (supplied by nerve fibers).

What special characteristic allows epithelial tissue to rapidly replace damaged cells?

High regenerative capacity.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat cells that facilitates rapid diffusion, found in locations like lung alveoli and blood vessel linings.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells that functions in secretion and absorption, commonly found in kidney tubules and glandular ducts and ovary surface

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A single layer of tall, closely packed cells, often with microvilli and goblet cells, involved in absorption and secretion of mucus. Found in the digestive tract (stomach to rectum), gallbladder, and excretory ducts.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

A single layer of cells of differing heights, giving a false impression of stratification; often ciliated and containing goblet cells. Involved in secretion, particularly of mucus, and propulsion of mucus by ciliary action. Found in the upper respiratory tract (trachea) and male's sperm-carrying ducts.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

A tissue composed of multiple layers of flat cells, providing protection against abrasion and infection. It can be found in areas subject to wear and tear such as the skin, mouth, and esophagus.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue consisting of two or more layers of cube-shaped cells, providing protection and secretion. It is found in glands, such as sweat glands, and the lining of some ducts as well as mammary glands

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Several cell layers; basal cells are usually cuboidal, superficial cells are columnar. Involved in protection and secretion. Rare in the body, found in small amounts in the pharynx, male urethra, and some glandular ducts.

Transitional Epithelium

A specialized type of epithelial tissue that can stretch and change shape, allowing for the expansion and contraction of organs such as the bladder. It is characterized by multiple layers of cells that appear different when relaxed versus distended.

Goblet cells

Specialized cells that secrete mucus, often found in combination with ciliated epithelium in the respiratory tract and digestive tract.

Exocrine glands

Glands that release chemical solutions onto body surfaces via ducts.

Endocrine glands

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream for long-distance communication.