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Anatomy & Physiology: Histology and Epithelial Tissue

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  • What are the four primary tissue types in the human body?
    Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.
  • How are epithelial tissues classified by cell shape?
    Squamous (scale-like), cuboidal (cube-like), and columnar (column-like).
  • What are the classifications of epithelial tissue by cell layers?
    Simple (one layer), stratified (multiple layers), pseudostratified (one layer but appears layered), and transitional (can change shape).
  • What is the main function of simple squamous epithelium?
    Allows materials to pass by diffusion and filtration where protection is not important; secretes lubricating substances in serosae.
  • Where is simple squamous epithelium typically found?
    Kidney glomeruli, air sacs of lungs, lining of heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.
  • Describe simple cuboidal epithelium and its function.
    Single layer of cube-like cells with large spherical nuclei; functions in secretion and absorption.
  • Where is simple cuboidal epithelium located?
    Kidney tubules, ducts and secretory portions of small glands, and ovary surface.
  • What characterizes simple columnar epithelium?
    Single layer of tall cells with round to oval nuclei; may have cilia and goblet cells.
  • What are the functions of simple columnar epithelium?
    Absorption, secretion of mucus, enzymes, and other substances; ciliated type propels mucus by ciliary action.
  • Where is pseudostratified columnar epithelium found and what is its function?
    Lines male sperm-carrying ducts and trachea; secretes substances, particularly mucus, and propels mucus by ciliary action.
  • What is the structure and function of stratified squamous epithelium?
    Thick membrane with several cell layers; protects underlying tissues in areas subject to abrasion.
  • What is the difference between keratinized and non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium?
    Keratinized has a surface layer of dead cells filled with keratin for protection and dehydration prevention; non-keratinized remains moist.
  • Where is stratified cuboidal epithelium found and what is its function?
    Found in largest ducts of sweat glands, mammary glands, and salivary glands; functions in protection.
  • Describe stratified columnar epithelium and its location.
    Several cell layers with basal cells cuboidal and surface cells elongated; rare, found in male urethra and some gland ducts.
  • What is transitional epithelium and its function?
    Resembles both stratified squamous and cuboidal; surface cells dome-shaped or squamous-like; stretches to permit stored urine to distend urinary organ.
  • Where is transitional epithelium located?
    Lines ureters, bladder, and part of the urethra.
  • What are the major functions of epithelial tissue?
    Protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion, and sensory reception.
  • What is the apical surface of epithelial tissue?
    The free surface exposed to the body exterior or the cavity of an internal organ.
  • What is the basal surface of epithelial tissue?
    The surface attached to underlying connective tissue via the basement membrane.
  • What is keratin and its role in epithelial tissue?
    A family of fibrous structural proteins forming intermediate filaments; keratinized epithelium protects from abrasion and dehydration.