29.01.25 Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are epithelial cells?
Polarised cells with tight junctions, apical and basolateral surfaces
Where are epithelial cells located?
They line cavities or hollow structures
Why are epithelial cells important?
They seal off underlying tissue, create compartments, separate outside from inside, and provide protection
What influences the neural crest cells?
Signals from neighbouring tissues
How are neural crest cells specialized?
Through signalling and communication
What do signalling molecules do in neural crest cells?
Induce expression of downstream effector genes, determining cell/tissue identity
What is the significance of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition (EMT)?
It is necessary for cells to become migratory
What do neural cells contribute to?
The formation of the facial skeleton
What are the key signalling factors involved in cell identity, differentiation, and migration?
BMP, Wnt, FGF
What are cell adhesion molecules mentioned in the content?
N/E-cadherin
What is the difference between neural crest and surface ectoderm neural tissue?
They have different identities
What is the role of EMT in migration?
It involves the loss of epithelial characteristics
What are the two forms of differentiation mentioned?
Cartilage and bone
What is haematopoiesis?
The generation of blood cells
When does haematopoiesis occur?
Throughout life
What is the capacity of stem cells in haematopoiesis?
To give rise to a large number of different specialised cells
Where does haematopoiesis take place?
In the bone marrow
Why is the bone marrow important for stem cells?
It provides an optimal environment, promotes self-renewal, and blocks premature differentiation
What contributes to the niche in developing bone?
Osteoblasts and small vessels
