Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

4. Tissues & Histology

Characteristics of Epithelial Tissue

Anatomy & Physiology

4. Tissues & Histology

Characteristics of Epithelial Tissue

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2:26 minutes

Problem 17

Textbook Question

What are the four essential functions of epithelial tissue?

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Understand that epithelial tissue is one of the four primary tissue types in the body, and its functions are essential for maintaining homeostasis and protecting the body.

Learn that epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands, making it crucial for interaction with the external and internal environments.

Identify the first essential function: Protection. Epithelial tissue acts as a barrier to protect underlying tissues from mechanical injury, pathogens, and harmful substances.

Recognize the second essential function: Absorption. Certain epithelial tissues, such as those in the digestive tract, are specialized to absorb nutrients and other substances.

Understand the third and fourth essential functions: Secretion and Excretion. Epithelial tissue forms glands that secrete substances like hormones, enzymes, and mucus, and it also helps excrete waste products from the body.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Protection

Epithelial tissue serves as a protective barrier for underlying structures, shielding them from mechanical injury, pathogens, and chemical exposure. This function is crucial in areas such as the skin, where the outer layer of epithelial cells prevents damage and infection.

Secretion

Epithelial tissue is involved in the secretion of various substances, including enzymes, hormones, and mucus. Glandular epithelium, for instance, forms the functional units of glands, playing a vital role in processes such as digestion and lubrication.

Absorption

Certain types of epithelial tissue, particularly in the intestines, are specialized for absorption. These epithelial cells have adaptations, such as microvilli, that increase surface area, allowing for efficient uptake of nutrients and water from the digestive tract.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Identify the six types of epithelial tissue shown in the drawing below.

d. ___

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Textbook Question

Identify the six types of epithelial tissue shown in the drawing below.

e. ___

Textbook Question

Identify the six types of epithelial tissue shown in the drawing below.

f. ___

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Textbook Question

Which of the following epithelia most easily permits diffusion?

(a) Stratified squamous

(b) Simple squamous

(d) Simple columnar

Textbook Question

In adults, over 90% of all cancers arise in epithelium. Such cancers are called carcinomas, or adenomas (adenocarcinomas) if they arise in glandular epithelia. In fact, cancers of the skin, lung, colon, breast, and prostate are all in these categories. Why do you think this is so?

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Textbook Question

In adults, over 90% of all cancers are either adenomas (adenocarcinomas) or carcinomas. In fact, cancers of the skin, lung, colon, breast, and prostate are all in these categories. Which one of the four basic tissue types gives rise to most cancers? Why do you think this is so?

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Textbook Question

Why are there no skin cancers that originate from stratum corneum cells?

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Multiple Choice

Most cancers develop in epithelial tissues. Which epithelial tissue characteristic makes them prone to cancer?