Flashcards: Epithelial Tissue Structure and Function — 20 cards

Epithelial tissue — key characteristic?

Tightly packed, minimal extracellular matrix.

Pseudo-stratified epithelium — appearance?

Looks stratified, but is a single cell layer.

Endocrine glands — secretion method?

Secrete hormones directly into bloodstream.

Squamous epithelium — cell shape?

Flat, scale-like cells.

Testicular tubules — function?

Site of sperm production.

Urothelium — location?

Lines urinary bladder, ureters, urethra.

Cell junctions — types?

Tight, gap, desmosomes.

Cilia and microvilli — roles?

Cilia move fluids; microvilli increase absorption surface.

Basement membrane — composition?

Lamina lucida, lamina densa, reticular layer.

Epithelial functions — main roles?

Protection, absorption, secretion, filtration.

Epithelial polarity — significance?

Allows directional functions like absorption.

Pseudo-stratified epithelium — location?

Respiratory tract and male reproductive system.

Endocrine glands — example?

Thyroid, adrenal, pituitary.

Squamous epithelium — protective role?

Forms a barrier against mechanical stress.

Testicular tubules — supporting cells?

Sertoli cells.

Urothelium — stretchability?

Highly stretchable to accommodate urine volume.

Cell junctions — function?

Maintain tissue integrity and communication.

Cilia — structure?

Microtubule-based, motile projections.

Microvilli — structure?

Actin-supported projections for absorption.

Basement membrane — role?

Supports and regulates epithelial cells.