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Basic Anatomy & Physiology: Epithelial Tissue Terms

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Terms in this set (14)

  • Tissue

    Tissue is a group of similar cells that perform a common function in the body.

  • Histology

    Histology is the study of tissues and their structure under the microscope.

  • Epithelial tissue

    Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.

  • Apical surface

    The apical surface is the free, exposed surface of epithelial cells facing the body exterior or cavity.

  • Basal surface

    The basal surface is the bottom layer of epithelial cells attached to the basement membrane.

  • Microvilli

    Microvilli are tiny fingerlike projections on the apical surface that increase surface area for absorption.

  • Basement membrane

    The basement membrane is a thin, fibrous layer that anchors epithelial tissue to underlying connective tissue.

  • Avascular

    Avascular means lacking blood vessels; epithelial tissue is avascular and receives nutrients by diffusion.

  • Simple epithelia

    Simple epithelia consist of a single cell layer, allowing for absorption, secretion, and filtration.

  • Stratified epithelia

    Stratified epithelia have multiple cell layers, providing protection against abrasion.

  • Squamous cells

    Squamous cells are flat, scale-like epithelial cells that allow for rapid diffusion.

  • Cuboidal cells

    Cuboidal cells are cube-shaped epithelial cells involved in secretion and absorption.

  • Columnar cells

    Columnar cells are tall, column-shaped epithelial cells specialized for absorption and secretion.

  • Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

    Pseudostratified columnar epithelium appears layered due to nuclei at different levels but is a single cell layer.