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Epithelial Cell Types and Tissue Types in the Human Body

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What are the main functions of epithelial tissue?

    Protection, absorption, secretion, excretion, and sensory reception.

  • What characteristic defines epithelial tissue?

    Cells are closely packed with minimal extracellular matrix and have a free surface exposed to the body exterior or cavity.

  • Name the three shapes of epithelial cells.

    Squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall and column-shaped).

  • What are the types of epithelial tissue based on layering?

    Simple (single layer), stratified (multiple layers), and pseudostratified (single layer appearing multiple).

  • Describe simple squamous epithelium and its function.

    Single layer of flat cells; allows rapid diffusion and filtration, found in lungs and blood vessels.

  • Where is simple cuboidal epithelium found and what is its function?

    Found in kidney tubules and glands; functions in secretion and absorption.

  • What is the role of simple columnar epithelium?

    Absorption and secretion; lines digestive tract and may have microvilli or cilia.

  • Define pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

    Single layer of cells with varying heights, nuclei at different levels; often ciliated and involved in secretion and movement of mucus.

  • What is the function of stratified squamous epithelium?

    Protects underlying tissues in areas subject to abrasion, such as skin and mouth.

  • Where is stratified cuboidal epithelium typically found?

    Found in ducts of sweat glands and mammary glands; provides protection.

  • Describe stratified columnar epithelium and its function.

    Rare tissue type; found in parts of the male urethra and some glandular ducts; functions in protection and secretion.

  • What is transitional epithelium and where is it found?

    Stratified epithelium that can stretch; lines urinary bladder and ureters to accommodate volume changes.

  • What specializations can epithelial cells have on their surface?

    Microvilli for absorption, cilia for movement of substances, and keratin for protection.

  • How do epithelial tissues receive nutrients if they lack blood vessels?

    By diffusion from underlying connective tissue through the basement membrane.

  • What is the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?

    A thin extracellular layer that anchors epithelium to underlying connective tissue and regulates exchange.

  • Name a key feature of glandular epithelium.

    Specialized for secretion; forms glands such as sweat, salivary, and endocrine glands.

  • What distinguishes endocrine glands from exocrine glands?

    Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood; exocrine glands secrete onto surfaces via ducts.

  • What type of epithelial tissue lines blood vessels?

    Simple squamous epithelium called endothelium.

  • How does keratinized stratified squamous epithelium differ from non-keratinized?

    Keratinized has a surface layer of dead cells with keratin for waterproofing; non-keratinized remains moist.

  • What is the role of cilia in epithelial cells?

    To move mucus and trapped particles across the epithelial surface, especially in respiratory tract.