Elwathiq Khalid Ibrahim University of Kassala Department of Anatomy December 2010

Histology:

the study of tissues. groups of cells with similar structure and functions.

Tissues:

Epithelial Tissue Connective Tissue Muscle Tissue Nervous Tissue

Epithelium
Coverings Linings of surfaces

Muscle

Movement

Connective

Nervous

Support Bone, ligaments, fat

Control Brain, nerves, spinal cord

Form continuous sheets Apical Surface Basement Membrane

All epithelial cells have a top surface that borders an open space known as a lumen
Underside of all epithelial cells which anchors them to connective tissue Lacks blood vessels Nourished by connective tissue

Avascularity (a = without)

Regenerate & repair quickly

Figure 4.1

Tight junctions Desmosomes Gap junctions

Human Anatomy, Larry M. Frolich, Ph.D.

Protection

Absorption Filtration

Skin protects from sunlight & bacteria & physical damage.

Lining of small intestine, absorbing nutrients into blood Lining of Kidney tubules filtering wastes from blood plasma Different glands produce hormones, digestive enzymes and mucus

Secretion

Human Anatomy, Larry M. Frolich, Ph.D.

Structure Function

Single Layer of flattened cells

Diffusion, and filtration Not effective protection single layer of cells. Walls of capillaries, air sacs in lungs Form serous membranes in body cavity

Location

Figure 4.3a

Structure Single layer of cube shaped cells Function Secretion and transportation in glands Location Glands and ducts (pancreas & salivary), kidney tubules, covers ovaries

Figure 4.3b

Structure Elongated layer of cells with nuclei at same level Function Absorption, Protection & Secretion When open to body cavities called mucous membranes Special Features Microvilli, bumpy extension of apical surface, increase surface area and absorption rate. Goblet cells, single cell glands, produce protective mucus. Location Linings of entire digestive tract

Figure 4.3c

microvil li

capillarie s lacteal absorptive cell secretory cell

intestinal gland artery vei n lymphatic vessel

Structure
Irregularly shaped cells with nuclei at different levels appear stratified, but arent. All cells reach basement membrane

Function
Absorption and Secretion Goblet cells produce mucus Cilia (larger than microvilli) sweep mucus

Location
Respiratory Linings & Reproductive tract

Figure 4.3d

Cili a Basement Membrane

Contain two or more layers of cells Regenerate from below Major role is protection Are named according to the shape of cells at apical (superficial) layer

Structure Function

Many layers (usually cubodial/columnar at bottom and squamous at top)

Protection Keratin (protein) is accumulated in older cells near the surface waterproofs and toughens skin. Skin (keratinized), mouth & throat (nonkeratinized)

Location

Figure 4.3e

Multiple, mostly double rows of columnar cells . Rare!! Location sweat glands and male urethra Function barrier , conduit (thus ducts)

Structure

Function

Many layers Very specialized cells at base are cuboidal or columnar, at surface will vary. Change between stratified & simple as tissue is stretched out. Allows stretching (change size) Urinary bladder, ureters & urethra

Location

Figure 4.3h

Epithelial cells specialized to produce secretion. All glands are of composed of epithelium. Molecules to be secreted may be stored in membrane bound secretory granules (vesicles)

A)

Presence or absence of ducts:

Exocrine ducted Endocrine - ductless

B)

C)
D)

Uni- or multicellular Mode of secretion Secretion products

GLANDULAR EPITHELIUM

Small intestine with villi Mucin stain showing goblet cells

Colon with NO villi Mucin stain showing goblet cells

(How the glands product is released) Merocrine Just released by exocytosis without altering the gland at all. Ex: Sweat glands and salivary glands Holocrine The gland ruptures and releases secretion and dead cells as well. Sebaceous (oil glands on the face) only example

Anthony J Greene

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