Epithelial Tissues Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to epithelial tissues, aiding in understanding and exam preparation.

Tissues

Groups of cells with similar structure and function that work together to perform a specific task in the body.

Four Primary Tissue Types

Epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

Epithelial Tissue Location

Found covering body surfaces, lining body cavities and hollow organs, and forming glands.

Functions of Epithelial Tissue

Protection, absorption, filtration, and secretion.

Hallmarks of Epithelial Tissue

Cells fit tightly together, form continuous sheets, have a free (apical) surface, are attached to a basement membrane, lack blood vessels (avascular), and regenerate quickly.

Classification of Epithelial Tissue

Classified by number of cell layers and the shape of the cells.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells; thin and ideal for diffusion, absorption, and filtration.

Stratified Epithelium

Two or more layers of cells; provides protection against abrasion.

Squamous Cells

Flat, scale like cells that allow rapid movement of substances; found in areas of diffusion.

Cuboidal Cells

Cube shaped cells that function in secretion and absorption; common in glands.

Columnar Cells

Tall, column shaped cells that specialize in absorption and secretion; often contain microvilli or cilia.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flat cells; allows diffusion and filtration. Found in air sacs of lungs and capillaries.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube shaped cells; involved in secretion and absorption. Found in kidney tubules.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells; absorption and secretion. Found lining the digestive tract.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears stratified but is a single layer; often ciliated and functions in mucus movement. Found in the respiratory tract.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of flat cells; protects against abrasion. Found in the epidermis and mouth.

Keratinized Epithelium

Stratified squamous epithelium with keratin; forms the outer layer of skin and protects from dehydration.

Nonkeratinized Epithelium

Stratified squamous epithelium without keratin; found in moist areas like the mouth.

Transitional Epithelium

Stratified epithelium that stretches; found in the urinary bladder.

Basement Membrane

Thin supporting layer that anchors epithelial tissue to connective tissue.

Apical Surface

The free surface of epithelial cells that faces a body cavity or the outside of the body.

Cilia

Hairlike projections that move substances across the cell surface.

Microvilli

Tiny projections that increase surface area for absorption.