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Epithelium
Epithelium
1. Cellularity
2. Polarity
3. Avascularity
4. Regeneration
5. Attachment
Epithelial tissue:
In the human body, different environments are separated by epithelial tissue. This tissue plays an
essential role in the body. One surface of the epithelial cell faces the external environment, and
another is connected to basement membrane.
1.
Cellularity: It is one of the characteristics of epithelial tissue. This tissue is a layer of tightly
connected cells. These cells differ in their shape in different types of epithelial tissue.
2.
Polarity: Epithelial tissues are polarized, which means these tissues have two surfaces: apical
surface (free surface) and basal surface (attached surface).
3.
Avascularity: Epithelial tissues do not have blood vessels. They obtain nutrients from underlying
connective tissue through diffusion.
4.
Regeneration: The epithelial cells have the ability of regeneration. This means these cells can repair
and regenerate themselves. Therefore, cancers are prevalent in epithelia.
5.
Attachment: The basal surface of epithelial cells is attached to the non-cellular layer called the
basement membrane and provides support to these cells.
What are the 6 types of epithelial tissue?
They types of epithelial tissue include simple squamous, stratified squamous, simple cuboidal,
stratified cuboidal, simple columnar, and stratified columnar. Unique types of epithelial tissue
include pseudostratified epithelium and transitional epithelium .
• Absorb nutrients,
• Provide protection,
• Secrete substances, and
• Provide a matrix to house sensory receptor cells.
Epithelial cells also provide many other functions throughout the body.