Epithelial Tissues

Question 1

What are the functions of epithelial tissues?

Answer 1

Cover & Line surfaces - Form a barrier

• Physical Protection (skin & oral cavity)
• Diffusion (Gasses, lungs, capillaries)
• Absorption (GI Tract)
• Secretion (sweat, mucus, enzymes..)

Question 2

What are the 3 shapes of epithelial cells?

Answer 2

• Squamous (Squashed like)
• Cuboidal (Square shaped)
• Columnar (Rectangle shaped)

Question 3

What is epithelium called for different number of cell layers?

Answer 3

Simple = single layer cells
Stratified = 2 or more layers

Pseudostratified = single layer however contains apical specialisations and nuclei are not all in line giving appearance of multiple layers even though its 1

Question 4

What are goblet cells?

Answer 4

They are a modified columnar type of epithelial cell which synthesise & secrete mucus

Question 5

What is special about transitional epithelium?

Answer 5

Allows for expansion and stretch - only found in the bladder