MT 30 (LEC): Epithelial cells

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that forms sheets covering the body's surfaces and lining cavities, involved in protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.

Connective Tissue

One of the four basic tissue types that supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs of the body.

Muscular Tissue

Tissue responsible for the movement of the body and its parts, consisting of muscle cells.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.

Protection

A main function of epithelial tissue, exemplified by skin preventing damage to underlying tissues.

Absorption

A function of epithelial tissue where nutrients are taken up, as seen in the intestines.

Secretion

The process by which epithelial cells release substances like enzymes and hormones.

Contractility

A characteristic of some epithelial cells, like myoepithelial cells, which allow for movement or contraction.

Simple Epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue consisting of a single layer of cells.

Stratified Epithelium

A type of epithelial tissue composed of multiple layers of cells.

Squamous Epithelium

A type of epithelial cell shape that is thin and flat.

Cuboidal Epithelium

Epithelial cells that are cube-shaped and often involved in secretion.

Columnar Epithelium

Epithelial cells that are taller than they are wide, specialized for absorption.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single thin layer of squamous cells found in areas requiring permeability, like blood vessels.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Cube-shaped epithelial cells found in kidney tubules and glands.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Tall epithelial cells specialized for absorption, often found in the intestines.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Epithelial tissue found in the skin (keratinized) and moist cavities (non-keratinized).

Transitional Epithelium

Also known as urothelium, this type of epithelium is stretchable and found in the urinary bladder.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

A type of epithelium that appears layered but each cell touches the basement membrane.

Glandular Epithelium

Epithelial tissue specialized in secretion, forming endocrine and exocrine glands.

Unicellular glands

Glands consisting of single cells, such as goblet cells.

Multicellular glands

Glands formed from clusters of cells, such as salivary glands and pancreas.

Neoplasia

Uncontrolled epithelial growth, which may lead to cancer.

Metaplasia

The transformation of one type of epithelium into another type, often due to environmental changes.

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium

A type of tissue found in the skin that protects against water loss and microorganisms.

Ciliated Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

A type of epithelium found in the upper respiratory tract, containing cilia on its surface.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A tissue type characterized by tall cells, often with microvilli for enhanced absorption.

Dome-shaped umbrella cells

Specialized cells in transitional epithelium that protect against urine acidity.

Skin

The organ that contains keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Tongue

Contains squamous epithelium over connective tissue, important for sensation.

Kidney

Organ where simple cuboidal epithelium is found in tubules and glands.

Urinary Bladder

Contains transitional epithelium (urothelium), allowing for stretch and protection.

Respiratory tract

Contains ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, important for mucus movement.

Vitamin A deficiency

A condition that can lead to metaplasia in the bronchi and urinary bladder.

Smoking

An activity that can cause metaplasia, transforming ciliated epithelium into stratified squamous epithelium.

Epithelial tissue functions

Mainly includes protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.

Extracellular matrix

A complex network of proteins and molecules that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

Glands

Structures formed by glandular epithelium functioning in secretion.

Cilia

Microscopic hair-like structures that aid in the movement of mucus and particles in the respiratory tract.

Microvilli

Tiny projections on epithelial cells, particularly in the intestines, enhancing absorption.

Simple Epithelial tissue

Characterized by a single layer of cells, providing specialized functions.

Stratified Epithelia

Provide protection, composed of multiple layers of cells.

Cell layer classifications

Simple epithelium (single layer) and stratified epithelium (multiple layers).

Shape classifications

Includes squamous, cuboidal, and columnar shapes in epithelial tissues.

Organ systems

Systems that include tissues like epithelial in functioning, such as the digestive system.

Gland types

Divided into unicellular and multicellular based on the number of cells involved.

Secretion types

Include proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates produced by glandular epithelial cells.

Sensory epithelial cells

Epithelial cells that are specialized for sensation, such as those in the tongue and nasal lining.

Epithelial cell functions

Protection, absorption, sensation, and secretion as primary roles.

Myoepithelial glands

Specialized epithelial cells that aid in contractility alongside glandular cells.