Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781305112100
Author: Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Chapter 4, Problem 1RQ

List the general characteristics of epithelium, and then describe the basic types of epithelial tissues in terms of specific characteristics and functions.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To list and describe: The general characteristics of epithelium and describe the basic types of epithelial tissues in terms of specific characteristics and functions.

Introduction: Tissue organization is a level of organization formed structurally and functionally by similar group of cells and intercellular materials that are observed in multicellular organisms. The organization of specialized tissues varies and depends on the complexity of the organism, structure and function of the cells, and environment of the organism.

Explanation of Solution

The general characteristics of epithelium (epithelial tissue) are as follows:

  1. 1. Cellularity: Epithelial tissues consist of densely packed cells with least or no extracellular matrix between the cells.
  2. 2. Polarity: Epithelial tissues consist of an apical surface (made up of either microvilli or cilia) and basal surfaces (made up of basal lamina).
  3. 3. Attachment to the basement membrane: The basal surface of the epithelial tissues is bounded to thin basement membrane to form a selective molecular barrier between the epithelial tissue and the underlying connective tissue.
  4. 4. Avascularity: Epithelial cells lack blood vessels for receiving nutrients instead the nutrients are obtained directly from the apical surface or across the basal surface through diffusion.
  5. 5. Extensive innervation: It can detect slight changes that occurred in the region at which it is present because epithelial cells are richly supplied by the nerve tissue.
  6. 6. High regeneration capacity: Epithelial cells possess high regeneration capacity and can undergo frequent cell divisions.

The basic types of epithelial tissues in terms of specific characteristics and functions are as follows:

Types of epitheliumCharacteristicsFunction

Simple Squamous epithelium

Single layer of epithelial cells that are flat, wide, and irregular in shape with a flattened nucleus.It allows diffusion of substances through this layer.

Simple cuboidal

epithelium

Single layer of epithelial cells that are thick and cube shaped with a spherical nucleus.It helps in absorption and secretion.

Simple columnar epithelium

Single layer of epithelial cells that are slender and taller in shape with an oval cell nucleus.This tissue can absorb or secrete substances and may contain cilia to move substances.
Pseudo-stratified epitheliumIt lines the nasal passage, throat, reproductive tract, and other parts where cilia are present.This layer sweeps mucus or some other fluid across the surface of a tissue.

Stratified squamous epithelium

Two or more layers of epithelial cells which are flat, wide, and irregular in shape with a flattened nucleus.

It deals with protective function.

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

Two or more layers of epithelial cells that are cube shaped with a spherical nucleus.It deals with protective function.
Stratified columnar epitheliumTwo or more layers of epithelial cells those are slender and taller in shape with an oval cell nucleus.It deals with protective function.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Explain the lining and covering of Epithelial Tissue
Describe the structure and function of epithelial tissues.
Identify the type of epithelial tissue
Knowledge Booster
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
  • Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305112100
    Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305073951
    Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Anatomy & Physiology
    Biology
    ISBN:9781938168130
    Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
    Publisher:OpenStax College
  • Body Structures & Functions
    Biology
    ISBN:9781285695495
    Author:Scott
    Publisher:Cengage
    Body Structures & Functions Updated
    Biology
    ISBN:9780357191606
    Author:Scott
    Publisher:Cengage
    Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
    Biology
    ISBN:9781285866932
    Author:Lauralee Sherwood
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
  • Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305112100
    Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305073951
    Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Anatomy & Physiology
    Biology
    ISBN:9781938168130
    Author:Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
    Publisher:OpenStax College
    Body Structures & Functions
    Biology
    ISBN:9781285695495
    Author:Scott
    Publisher:Cengage
    Body Structures & Functions Updated
    Biology
    ISBN:9780357191606
    Author:Scott
    Publisher:Cengage
    Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
    Biology
    ISBN:9781285866932
    Author:Lauralee Sherwood
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Types of Human Body Tissue; Author: MooMooMath and Science;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ZvbPak4ck;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY