Epithelial Cells Flashcards
1
Q
What are the three types of epithelial cells?
A
- Squamous Epithelium
- Columnar Epithelium
- Ciliated Epithelium
2
Q
Describe an epithelial cell.
A
It consists of one or more layers of cells attached to a basement membrane.
3
Q
What is a basement membrane?
A
- It is made of protein fibres in a protein-carbohydrate matrix
- It anchors epithelium to the connective tissue below
4
Q
What is the basal membrane?
A
The surface of the cell that is attached to the basement membrane.
5
Q
What is the apical membrane?
A
The surface of the cell that faces away from the basement membrane.
6
Q
Give four features of squamous epithelium.
A
- Thin flattened cells
- Cells can be less than 0.2 micrometers thick
- Apical surfaces faces lumen
- Found in the alveoli and capillaries
7
Q
Give four features of columnar epithelium.
A
- Epithelial cells extend out of the basement membrane
- Apical surface facing lumen of intestine is covered in micro-villi
- Micro-villi increase the surface area available for absorption
- Found in the small intestine
8
Q
Give three features of ciliated epithelium.
A
- Cilia is found on the apical surface of epithelium
- It is pseudostratified
- Found in the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles
9
Q
What is meant by the term ‘pseudostratified’?
A
The cells appear to have many layers but it actually doesn’t and all the cells touch the basement membrane.
