Epithelial Cells Flashcards
(24 cards)
What do epithelial cells line?
Any surface that is in contact with the external environment
They may also line the surface of internal organs, such as the lungs.
What are the two types of epithelial tissue found in the lungs?
Squamous epithelium and columnar epithelium
These tissues serve different functions in the respiratory system.
What type of epithelial cells line the upper airway?
Ciliated columnar epithelium cells
These cells are important for moving mucus away from the lungs.
What is the function of cilia on epithelial cells?
To waft back and forth to move surface mucus out of lungs
This helps prevent infection by removing inhaled particles.
What do goblet cells produce?
Mucus
This mucus helps trap unwanted particles present in the air that is breathed.
Describe the characteristics of squamous epithelium.
Very flat and thin with egg-shaped nuclei, often only one cell thick
This structure is ideal for surfaces where diffusion occurs, such as in the lungs.
What does COPD stand for?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD includes several conditions affecting the lungs.
Why is COPD more common in smokers than non-smokers?
Because substances in smoke damage the lungs
Cigarette smoke leads to various harmful effects on lung function.
How does cigarette smoke affect the cilia of columnar epithelium?
It causes the cilia to slow and stop beating, eventually leading to their death
This results in mucus buildup and clogged airways.
What happens when the thin alveolar epithelial cells are ruptured?
It reduces the surface area for gas exchange
This condition can lead to more severe respiratory problems.
Fill in the blank: Ciliated columnar cells contain many _______.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are important for energy production, which supports the function of these cells.
Explain the role of mucus in the respiratory system.
Mucus traps unwanted particles and pathogens
This helps to keep the airways clear and reduce the risk of infection.
What do epithelial cells line?
Any surface that is in contact with the external environment
They may also line the surface of internal organs, such as the lungs.
What are the two types of epithelial tissue found in the lungs?
Squamous epithelium and columnar epithelium
These tissues serve different functions in the respiratory system.
What type of epithelial cells line the upper airway?
Ciliated columnar epithelium cells
These cells are important for moving mucus away from the lungs.
What is the function of cilia on epithelial cells?
To waft back and forth to move surface mucus out of lungs
This helps prevent infection by removing inhaled particles.
What do goblet cells produce?
Mucus
This mucus helps trap unwanted particles present in the air that is breathed.
Describe the characteristics of squamous epithelium.
Very flat and thin with egg-shaped nuclei, often only one cell thick
This structure is ideal for surfaces where diffusion occurs, such as in the lungs.
What does COPD stand for?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD includes several conditions affecting the lungs.
Why is COPD more common in smokers than non-smokers?
Because substances in smoke damage the lungs
Cigarette smoke leads to various harmful effects on lung function.
How does cigarette smoke affect the cilia of columnar epithelium?
It causes the cilia to slow and stop beating, eventually leading to their death
This results in mucus buildup and clogged airways.
What happens when the thin alveolar epithelial cells are ruptured?
It reduces the surface area for gas exchange
This condition can lead to more severe respiratory problems.
Fill in the blank: Ciliated columnar cells contain many _______.
Mitochondria
Mitochondria are important for energy production, which supports the function of these cells.
Explain the role of mucus in the respiratory system.
Mucus traps unwanted particles and pathogens
This helps to keep the airways clear and reduce the risk of infection.
