What is Epithelial tissue: Types and Function
Added: (Mon Oct 31 2022)
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Animal tissues are classified into four categories: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nerve tissue. Epithelial tissue is the most common tissue as it covers the internal and external surfaces of the body. Tissues line organs, including channels, cavities, blood vessels, and skin. Cells of the tissue epithelium have a unique ability to repair damage and are resistant to wear. Learn more about the tissue epithelium, its types, functions, structure, and more.
What is epithelial tissue?
Epithelial Tissue Description: Epithelial tissue is the tissue that lines the outside and inside of the body and primarily contributes to respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and excretory functions.
Structure: The following points describe the structure of epithelial tissue:
• Tissue Adjacent cells of the epithelium are joined by intercellular cement.
• Tissue cells are held close together by intercellular junctions such as desmosomes, serrations, intercellular bridges, and conforming folds.
• Epithelial tissue remains anchored to the connective tissue through the basement membrane.
• Epithelium is generally devoid of blood vessels. It gets its nourishment from the underlying blood vessels by diffusion.
Did you know:
The word epithelium comes from the Greek, "epi" meaning "rising" and "trio" meaning "growth". Ruisch, a Dutch scientist, coined the term organization that grows on top of other organizations.
Epithelial tissue also occurs in the form of a membrane. There are two types of epithelium:
Mucous membranes: Also called mucous membranes, they contain goblet cells that secrete mucus and aid in lubrication, protection, and motility. It also protects the tissue from desiccation.
Occurrences: Lines of cavities that open to the outside of the body, such as the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Serous Membrane: The membrane separates the intraluminal fluid.
Site of Origin: Line Body cavities such as the pericardium and pleural cavities that are not open to the outside of the body.
Functions of Epithelial Tissue
The main functions attributed to the tissue epithelium are:
• Protection: Protects underlying tissue from damage. Dryness, bacterial invasion, chemicals.
• secretion: epithelial glands secrete mucus, hormones, and gastric juices.
• Excretion: The epithelial lining of tubules eliminates nitrogenous wastes.
• Absorption: The intestinal epithelial lining absorbs digested food.
• Conduction: Ciliated epithelium conducts mucus and body fluids.
• Sensation: The sensory epithelium of the sensory organs sends nerve impulses to the CNS.
• Respiration: The alveolar tissue epithelium of the lung supports gas exchange between blood and air.
• Reproduction: The germinal epithelium of the reproductive organ produces gametes.
• exoskeleton formation: surface epithelium produces exoskeleton structures such as horns, hair, nails, and wings.
Read More:- What is Epithelial tissue: Types and Function | Turito