Lecture on Epithelial Tissue and Histology

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to epithelial tissue and histology, aiding in understanding and retention of material from the lecture.

Histology

The study of tissues and their structures.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers the body surfaces, lines cavities and organs, and forms glands.

Avascular

Lacking blood vessels; refers to epithelial tissues which obtain nutrients by diffusion.

Basal Surface

The surface of epithelial cells that adheres to the underlying basement membrane.

Simple Epithelium

A single layer of cells, characteristic of areas where absorption, secretion, and filtration occur.

Stratified Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells; provides protection in areas subject to abrasion.

Pseudostratified Epithelium

Appears to be stratified but is actually a single layer of varying height cells attached to a basement membrane.

Transitional Epithelium

A type of epithelium that can change shape and layer number depending on the degree of stretch, found in the urinary system.

Hemotoxylin and Eosin (H & E) Stain

Common histological stains used to visualize structures, with hemotoxylin staining nuclei blue/purple and eosin staining cytoplasm pink.

Free Surface

The exposed surface of epithelial tissue, facing the body cavity or external environment.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds together, and protects tissues and organs of the body.

Columnar Epithelium

Epithelial cells that are tall and rectangular in shape, often involved in absorption and secretion.

Microvilli

Small finger-like projections on epithelial cells that increase surface area for absorption.

Cilia

Hair-like structures on the surface of epithelial cells that help move substances across the epithelial surface.

Keratin

A protective protein that is found in the upper layers of skin in keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

A single layer of flat cells, facilitating diffusion and filtration, found in areas such as alveoli of lungs.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

A single layer of cube-shaped cells involved in secretion and absorption, commonly found in kidney tubules.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

A single layer of tall cells, often containing goblet cells for secretion, found in the digestive tract.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Multiple layers of cells that protect against abrasion and are found in areas like the skin and oral cavity.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells, rare, and often found in the ducts of glands.

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Multiple layers of columnar cells, rare, found in certain gland ducts.

Goblet Cells

Mucus-secreting cells found in some epithelial tissues, such as simple columnar epithelium.