UNDERSTANDING TISSUES. EPITHELIAL HISTOMORPHOLOGY
Keywords:
Epithelial tissue, histomorphology, cell layers, cell shapes, basal membrane, polarity, absorption, secretion, protection, regeneration, specialized structures, cilia, microvilli, stratified epithelium, simple epithelium, squamous epithelium, cuboidal epithelium, columnar epithelium, transitional epithelium, basement membrane, avascularity.Abstract
Epithelial tissue is one of the fundamental tissue types in the human body, playing crucial roles in protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation. The histomorphology of epithelial tissue is characterized by a high cellular density, polarity, and specialized structures such as cilia and microvilli. Epithelial cells are classified based on the number of layers (simple, stratified, pseudostratified, and transitional) and cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar, and transitional). These tissues are often avascular, relying on diffusion for nutrient supply, and have a high regenerative capacity. The basement membrane, composed of basal and reticular laminae, supports the epithelium and provides a connection to underlying connective tissues. Epithelial tissue is found in various locations throughout the body, each specialized for specific functions such as protection (skin), absorption (intestinal lining), secretion (glands), and filtration (kidneys). This tissue type's unique structural characteristics allow it to perform vital physiological processes efficiently and effectively.
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