Epithelial Tissue

Epithelial Tissue

Large sheets of cell-based tissue known as epithelial tissue typically cover all exposed body surfaces and line internal body cavities. Furthermore, epithelial tissue is responsible for the formation of the vast majority of glandular tissue in the human body. All three major embryonic layers produce epithelial tissue....

General Characteristics of Epithelial Tissue

The epithelium is made up of closely packed, flattened cells that line the inside or outside of body cavities. There isn’t a lot of intercellular material. The tissue is avascular, which means it lacks blood vessels. Diffusion transports nutrients and waste between neighbouring connective tissues. The epithelium’s upper surface is free or exposed to the outside of the body or an internal body cavity. The basal surface is supported by connective tissue. Between the epithelial and connective tissue layers, a thin extracellular layer known as the basement membrane forms....

Functions of Epithelial Tissue

Substance exchange: Epithelial tissue regulates the exchange of substances between the body and the external environment, as well as the exchange of substances within the body. Protection: It is the first line of defence against mechanical injury, chemical exposure, excessive fluid loss, and infections because it covers the entire body surface. The Secretion Procedure: The majority of epithelial cells can produce secretive macromolecules. The glandular epithelium is one of the best examples. Because the endocrine gland is secretive in nature, it secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream, some of which are insulin, thyroxin, and others. Exocrine glands, which are also secretive in nature, release hormones into ducts, such as skin sebum and digestive enzymes in the small intestine. Process of Absorption: Surface epithelial primarily perform absorption with the assistance of microvilli, which increase surface area for absorption. The columnar epithelium of the small intestine is another example. Their primary function in the digestive tract is nutrient absorption. Sensation: Sensory receptors are found in the epithelial tissue of the nose, eyes, and ears, as well as taste buds, and aid in the transmission of signals from external stimuli to the brain....

Classification of Epithelial Tissue

Classification of epithelial tissue is mainly based on the Shape, Layers and Specialized functions as follows:...

Structure of Epithelial Tissue

A tightly packed continuous layer of cells forms epithelial tissue. One epithelial tissue surface is exposed to either the external environment or body fluid. The other surface is connected to the tissue by a membrane made up of fibres and polysaccharides secreted by epithelial cells. There is very little intercellular material between cells. Individual cells are linked by specialised junctions found between epithelial cells. Tight junctions prevent tissue leakage. Adhering junctions keep adjacent tissues well cemented together. Gap junctions allow ions and molecules to move across tissue more easily. Membranes are formed by epithelial cells. The epithelial membrane is made up of a layer of epithelial tissue with connective tissue underneath. Mucous membranes and serous membranes are the two types of epithelial membranes. Mucous Membrane It is also referred to as mucosa. Goblet cells are present and secrete mucus. Mucus aids in lubrication, protection, and material movement. It keeps tissues from drying out. It lines the body cavities that open outside the body, such as the respiratory and digestive tracts. Serous Membrane The serous membrane lines body cavities that do not open to the outside world, such as the pleural cavity and pericardial membranes. These membranes are made of simple squamous epithelium and secrete fluid inside the cavity....

Location of the Epithelial Tissue

Outside and inside cavities exist in the epithelium. Skin is one of the external cavities. Body Lumina is also possessed. The outside layer is human skin, as previously stated, and it is made up of:...

FAQs on Epithelial Tissue

Question 1: What exactly is an Epithelial Tissue?...