Epithelial Tissue and Cell Types

Vocabulary flashcards covering the types, structures, and functions of epithelial tissues and associated cell types from the lecture.

Schwann cell

A type of neuroglia or helper cell that produces the myelin sheath.

Epithelial tissue

A major tissue type that forms coverings, linings, and barriers for body surfaces, cavities, and glands.

Basement membrane

A membrane structure that anchors epithelial tissue on one side, while leaving the opposite side free.

Lumen

The internal space of a tubular organ, such as the small intestine, through which contents pass.

Simple epithelium

Epithelial tissue that consists of only one layer of cells.

Stratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue that is made up of more than one layer of cells.

Pseudostratified epithelium

Epithelial tissue that appears to have multiple cell layers at first glance, but is actually composed of only a single layer.

Cuboidal cells

Chunky, cube-shaped cells found in epithelial tissues.

Columnar cells

Rectangular or column-shaped cells found in epithelial tissues.

Squamous cells

Very thin, flattened, and usually irregularly shaped cells resembling jigsaw puzzle pieces.

Simple squamous epithelium

A single layer of thin, flat cells specialized for diffusion and transport across tissue; found lining lungs and capillaries.

Capillaries

Blood vessels that are only one cell layer thick, made of simple squamous epithelial tissue to facilitate nutrient and gas movement.

Simple cuboidal epithelium

A single layer of chunky, cube-shaped cells frequently found in tubules and glands, specialized for absorption and secretion.

Simple columnar epithelium

A single layer of rectangular or column-shaped cells found in parts of the digestive tract and the oviduct.

Goblet cell

A specialized cell found within epithelial tissue that secretes mucus.

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar tissue

A single layer of column-shaped cells with alternating nuclear positions and cilia, located in the trachea to move mucus and trapped particles.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Multiple layers of thin, irregularly shaped cells designed for protection against friction and the environment; found in the skin, mouth, nose, anus, cervix, and vagina.