Anatomy

June 20, 2014

Subject:
Date:
1.3 Epithelium and Glands
Title:
Dr. Imelda D. Rivera, MD, FPSP
1nd/A.Y. 2014-2015
Lecturer:
Sem/ A.Y.:
Transcribers: : Baldovino, D., Balgomera, N., Ballesteros, F. (09275457969), Balmaceda, J., Balmaceda, R., Banluta, R.
Trans Subject Head: Jacinto, C. (09157536686)
A. OUTLINE
Epithelium: Functions and Characteristics
a. Functions of epithelium
b. Characteristics of Epithelium & Epithelial Cells
Types of Epithelial Cells
a. Covering Epithelium
b. Simple Epithelial Tissues
c. Stratified Epithelial Tissues
Polarity of Epithelial Cells
a. Polarity
b. Apical Domain
c. Basement Membrane
d. Lateral Domain
i. Cell to Cell Junction
ii. Cell to Extracellular Matrix Junctions
Glandular Epithelium
a. Based on the path of release
b. Based on the number of cells
c. Based on the Mechanism of Product of Release
d. Based on Type of Secretion
e. Based on Morphology
f.
Based on Morphology of Ducts
Histogenesis and the Three Germ Layers
a. Germ Layer
b. Epithelial Cell Renewal

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

II. OBJECTIVES
Give the functions of epithelial tissue.
Enumerate the characteristics of epithelial tissue,
Define cell polarity.
Describe the Apical and Lateral modifications.
Differentiate the types of lining and glandular epithelium
Differentiate the types of cell junctions.
Describe the organization of an exocrine gland.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
A.

EPITHELIUM: FUNCTIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

TISSU
E

FUNCTIO
N

Nervo
us

Impulse
Transmiss
ion

Epithelial

CELL
MORPHO.
Elongated
processes

ECM

None

Lining /
Secretio
n

Aggrega
te,
polyhed
ral

Small amount

Muscle

Movement

Elongat
ed,
contracti
le

Connective

Support,
protection

Various
fixed &
wanderi
ng cells

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Modera
te
amount

High
amount

A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
B.
1.
2.
3.

FUNCTIONS OF THE EPITHELIUM

Covering and protection, e.g. skin

Absorption, e.g. GI tract lining
Secretion, e.g. mammary glands, Goblet cells (lubrication)
Contractility (due to actin fibers), e.g. myoepithelium of
lacrimal glands
Receptor via transmembrane proteins
Lubrication via secretion of mucous membranes
Transport of materials to and from the blood.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EPITHELIUM AN EPITHELIAL CELLS
Polyhedral form due to masses of adjacent cells packed in
dense spaces.
Basement membrane ALL epithelium are connected to the
deep layers by the basement membrane.
Polarity Organelles and cell functions are concentrated in
different regions of the cell (see Polarity of Epithelial Cells)

B.

TYPES OF EPITHELIAL CELLS

A.

COVERING EPITHELIUM

Classified according to:

a) Number of layers
1. Simple only 1 cell layer
o
Pseudostratified 1 layer but nuclei are at
different levels; all of the cells are touching
the basal membrane but have different height
2. Stratified with 2 or more cell layers
b) Cell type/shape
1. Squamous flat, thin (lateral view); rounded to
polygonal (surface view)
2. Cuboidal height and width roughly similar
3. Columnar height is greater than width; taller
than they are wide
4. Transitional various/different shapes (i.e. round,
ovoid, cuboidal, balloon shape, dome shape);
always stratified
c) Apical/Free-surface Modification/Specialization
1. Ciliated
2. Non-ciliated
3. Flagellated
4. Microvilli
o
Brush border uniform of microvilli
o
Striated border uneven length of microvilli
B.
SIMPLE EPITHELIAL TISSUES
Simple Squamous epithelium

GROUP NAME: ALL GROUP MEMBER SURNAMES, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED.

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Anatomy 1.3: Epithelium and Glands

Simple cuboidal epithelium
o
Surface cell shape: square/cuboidal with round
nucleus at center
o
Function: absorption, secretion, conduit, barrier
o
Ex: lining ducts of most glands, small ducts of
exocrine glands, surface of ovary, kidney
tubules, thyroid follicles
Simple columnar epithelium

Simple Squamous epithelium

o
Surface cell shape: flat and very thin
o
Function: exchange, gas diffusion, secretion,
lubrication in pleural cavity, active transport,**
o
Ex: pleural and abdominal cavity (mesothelium,*)
peritoneum,
lining
blood
vessel
walls
(endothelium,*) lining of ventricles and atria of
heart (endocardium*)
Simple cuboidal epithelium

Simple columnar epithelium

o
Surface cell shape: columnar/tall cells with nuclei at
basal part
o
Function: absorption, secretion, protection, lubrication**
o
Ex: lining of much of digestive tract, intestine, gall
bladder
Simple columnar ciliated epithelium

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Anatomy 1.3: Epithelium and Glands

Simple columnar ciliated epithelium
o
Surface cell shape: columnar/tall and ciliated with
nuclei located toward the midzone of the cell
o
Ex: lining of fallopian tube (ciliated)

Stratified squamous epithelium

o
Non-keratinized (wet/moist)

Surface cell shape: flat with nuclei (top most layer)

Function: lubrication, protection, secretion

Ex: lining of mouth, esophagus, larynx, vagina

Pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium

Keratinized (dry)

Surface cell shape: flat without nuclei (dead cells;) like

flakes

Function: prevents water loss or desiccation, barrier

Ex: epidermis of skin

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

Pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium

o
Surface cell shape: all cells rest on basement
membrane, but at different levels (only 1 layer)
cells that reach the surface are columnar; goblet
cells distributed randomly
o
Function: secretion, protection, transport of
particles trapped in mucus out of air passages. 1
o
Ex: lining of respiratory track (nasal cavity, trachea,
bronchi)

The shape and height of the cells usually vary from layer to layer,
but only the shape of the cells that form the surface layer is used in
classifying the epithelium.

Stratified cuboidal epithelium

o
Surface cell shape: several layers of cuboidal cells
o
Function: protection, secretion, conduit
o
Ex: lining ducts of sweat glands, large ducts of exocrine
glands
o
Has limited distribution in the body

Stratified squamous epithelium

Stratified columnar epithelium

C.

STRATIFIED EPITHELIAL TISSUES

Stratified columnar epithelium

o
Surface cell shape: columnar
o
Function: protection, conduit
o
Ex: conjunctiva of eye, lining some large excretory ducts
o
Has limited distribution in the body
Transitional epithelium/Urothelium*

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Anatomy 1.3: Epithelium and Glands

B.

Microvilli
Structure:

Short finger-like projections

Actin filaments at core which attaches to terminal web
Striated Border microvilli of same height; Brush
Border microvilli of different heights

Functions:

Increases surface area 20x 30x for absorption

Found lining certain tissues such as the intestines,

allowing absorption

Transitional epithelium/Urothelium*
(ALWAYS stratified)
o
Surface cell shape: large dome shaped/umbrella cells
(empty;) flattened (distended)
o
Function: lines organs that are subjected to changes in
pressure or distention; has minimum of 2 layers even when
distended;
o
Specialized to protect underlying tissues from the hypertonic
effects of urine
o
Ex: lining renal calyces, renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder
C.

POLARITY OF EPITHELIAL CELLS

A. POLARITY
Polarity - the position of the nucleus and organelles within a cell

Apical domain - facing the surface/ lumen of cavity;

where activity of the cell is found; golgi complex is
located supranuclear (above nucleus); direction of
product release is towards apex.
Lateral domain - concerned with cell to cell adhesion
through protein attachments. Increase surface area for
absorption
Basal domain - anchored to basal lamina, possesses
receptors for hormones and signaling molecules
B.

A.

C.

APICAL DOMAIN

Cilia
Structure:

Elongated, hair-like protrusions

Core of cilium consists of an axoneme (a central

mictrotubular pair/doublet surrounded by 13 microtubular
pairs/doublets in heliocoidal formation

Attached to basal body, which consists of 9 microtubule

triplets in helicoidal configuration

Motor protein, dynein, converts ATP into mechanical

energy for movement
Functions:

Motile cilia propel substances

Important locations: respiratory tract, female reproductive

tract

Stereocilia
Structure:

Functions:

D.

Flagellum
Structure:

Function:

Actin filament core

Longer than microvilli
Anchored by fibrin and erzin
No motility but increases surface area for concentrated
absorption
Located in epididymis

Similar to cilia but larger and usually limited to single

flagellum per cell
Movement in whip-like motion to propel cell
Important locations: sperm cells

E. BASEMENT MEMBRANE
Basal Domain
A sheet-like layer that underlies virtually all epithelia, and isolates
them from the subjacent connective tissue (CT)
The basement membrane is an acid-Schiff (PAS) positive area
underneath epithelial cells.

Micrograph (b) show ciliated cells from the Fallopian tube. Cilia are labeled C.
Diagram (c) shows the structure of a cilium.

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Basal Lamina

A product of the epithelium

Lamina Lucida
o
an electron-lucent zone; 20-100 nm thick
o
penetrated by nerve cells, never by blood
capillaries

Lamina Densa
o
an electron-dense layer located next to the basal
plasmalemma and the CT.

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Anatomy 1.3: Epithelium and Glands

Components

Type IV collagen

Glycoproteins (mainly laminin; also entactin)

Perlecan - large heparan sulfate proteoglycan

Reticular Lamina

A product of the CT

Components
o
Type III collagen delicate and reticular
o
Type I collagen fibers.

is attached to the basal lamina with collagen VII anchoring

fibrils and fibrillin microfibrils
F. LATERAL DOMAIN (JUNCTIONAL COMPLEXES)
Location where two cells contacts or attaches to each other laterally

Zonula Adherens (ZA): The "adhesion belt"

Structure:

Located below Zonula Occludens

Intracellular gap between membranes (15-20 nm)

Transmembrane linker proteins called cadherin

(mediated by Ca2+) span the plasma membranes of the
cells and bind to identical cadherins on adjacent cell

Anchoring proteins (catenins, vinculin & alphaactinin) bind actin filaments to the cytoplasmic tails of the
cadherins
Function:

anchorage points for cytoskeletal elements, linking the

cytoskeletons of individual cells into a strong transcellular
network (mechanical attachment to adjacent cells)

Intracellular connection of Zonula Adherens

Various lateral junctions (TJ - Tight junction; ZA - Zonula adherens; CJ Communicating junction; D Desmosome; HD Hemidesmosome)

Cell-to-Cell Junction
Zonula Occludens/Tight Junction (TJ)
Structure

most superficial to apical surface (right under microvilli)

fuses adjacent membranes by transmembrane proteins,

claudin and occluding, arranged in anastomosing
(contact via merging, strands (quilt-like appearance)

reinforced by cadherins (cell adhesion molecules)

Function:

regulates paracellular transport

restrict flow of substances between cell membranes

(reason why it is very present in storage areas, e.g. gall
bladder.

Macula Adherens / Desmosome (D)

Structure:

3rd and deepest junction in junctional complex gap

between adjacent membranes (30 m)

dense attachment plaques on cytoplasmic sides

(desmoplakin and plakoglobin)

intermediate filaments then attach into the attachment

plaque

Cadherins (desmoglein and desmocolin) are the

transmembrane proteins that extend across gap for
attachment of the two membranes

Desmosome numbers are greatest in stratified squamous

epithelia
Function:

provide strong adhesion between cells, e.g. skin and

intestinal lining

able to withstand the greatest friction also use cadherins

as their transmembrane proteins

Micrograph of a desmosome with intermediate filaments (IF)

Tight junction under micrograph

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Anatomy 1.3: Epithelium and Glands

Fascia Adherens
Structure:

mainly found in cardiac muscle

broad, intercellular junction in the transversal sections of

an intercalated disc of cardiac muscle anchoring actin
filaments.
Function:

serves to stabilize non-epithelial tissue

similar to the Zonula Adherens of epithelial cells a broad

intercellular junction in the transversal sections of an
intercalated disc of cardiac muscle anchoring actin
filaments

helps to transmit contractile forces

Focal Adhesion

anchors the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix

function: detects and transduces signals from outside the

cell

adhesion process depends on the integrin receptors

embedded in the plasma membrane

Summary of Junctional Features

Junction Type

Communicating or Gap Junctions/Nexus (CJ)

Contains numerous transmembrane channels (connexons)

that permit the passage of inorganic ions and other small
molecules from the cytoplasm of one cell to another.

More numerous in embryonic epithelia, involved in exchange

of chemical messengers, cell recognition, differentiation and
control of cell position

Cell-tocell

Occluding
Junction

Classificatio
n
Zonula
Occludens

Major link
proteins
Occludins,
claudins, JAM

Anchoring
Junction

Zonula
Adherens

E-cadherincatenin
complex

Macula
Adherens

Cadherins
(e.g.,
desmogleins,
desmocolins)

Fascia
Adherens

Cell-toextra
cellular
matrix

Connexons forming a gap junction patch

Function:

Cell-cell communication (electrically and metabolically)

thought to be important in the control of growth, development,

cell recognition and differentiation

Connexon - is made up of six transmembrane proteins

known as connexins; may be opened or closed depending
on the intracellular concentration of calcium ions, the pH or
on extracellular signals

Cell to Extracellular Matrix Junction

Hemidesmosome
Structure:

half desmosomes that are found at the basal surface of the

cell

its transmembrane proteins (integrins) bind to extracellular

laminins in the basement membrane

the intracellular component of the integrins binds to the

anchor protein, plectin and thus to the intermediate filament
keratin
Function:

anchors the epithelial cells to the basement membrane and

the adjacent connective tissue

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Communicating
/ Gap Junction

Nexus

Connexin

Anchoring
Junction

Hemi
desmosome

Integrins,
collagen XVII

Focal
adhesion

Integrins

D. GLANDULAR EPITHELIUM
Glandular Epithelia
Epithelial cells specialized to secrete substances in membrane-bound
secretory granules (vesicles).
Examples of Glandular Epithelia
1) Sebaceous glands (lipid)
2) Pancreatic acini (enzymes)
3) Salivary glands (carbohydrate-protein complex)
Classifications of Glandular Epithelia
I.
1)

Based on Path of Release

ENDOCRINE

Ductless

Releases secretions directly into bloodstream can act on

distant tissues

Basement membrane has a network of blood vessels

that absorb the secreted hormones (e.g. thyroid)

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Anatomy 1.3: Epithelium and Glands

III.

Based On Mechanism Of Product Released

1)

MEROCRINE/ECCRINE

Most common mode of protein secretion

Involves exocytosis of proteins or glycoproteins from

membrane-bound vesicles

Cells remain intact

e.g. Pancreatic acinar cells

Arrangement of secretory structures around the capillary

2)

EXOCRINE

releases secretions onto an epithelial surface either

directly or via a duct

Have ducts that lead to another organ or body surface

Two major components:
A. Acinus (secretory portion) contains cells that
produce secretion
B. Ducts (Conducting portion) transport the secretion out
of the gland
connects to the surface glands
(e.g. sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary
glands, and liver.)
a. Intercalated duct joins together with acinus
b. Intralobar ducts drain to main excretory duct
c. Interlobular ducts between lobules
d. Lobule where the acini and intercalated ducts
are located
e. Lobes contains lobules

2)

APOCRINE

Secretion accumulates at the cells apical ends.

o
Ruptures and releases secretion with bits of
cytoplasm and plasma membrane

e.g. mammary glands and sweat glands

The secretory portions of a mammary gland demonstrate

apocrine secretion, characterized by extrusion of the
secretion product along with a bit of apical cytoplasm.

3)

HOLOCRINE

Whole cell disintegrates when it secretes product

Cell makes and fills with secretion and ultimately burst

and releases secretions

suicidal glands

e.g. sebaceous glands of skin

Mammary glands with membrane-bound secretory vesicles visualized (see arrows)

Structure of a typical lobular gland

3)

PARACRINE

cells whose secretions target the immediate extracellular

environment, travels short distances then Endocrine

4)

AUTOCRINE

the target cell is on the secreting cell itself

II.

Based on Number of Cells

1)

2)

UNICELLULAR (Single Cell)

Consist of large isolated secretory cells

Classic example is the goblet cell which lines the

respiratory tract and small intestines

MULTICELLULAR (More than one Cell)

Most common; have cluster of cells

Have connective tissue in a surrounding capsule and

in septa that divide the gland into lobules

Longitudinal section of sebaceous gland with duct (D)

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V.

Based on Morphology
1)
2)

VI.

Mechanisms of exocrine gland secretion

IV.

Based on Type of Secretion

1)

Mucus/Mucinous (Watery secretion)

Filled apically with secretory granules containing strongly

hydrophilic glycoproteins called mucins

Most common mechanism of product release

e.g. goblet cells, sublingual gland

With both serous acini and mucous tubules capped by

groups of serous cells
product is a mixture of digestive enzyme and watery
mucus
e.g. submandibular gland

Simple (Unbranched) with single

sebaceous glands)
Compound with two or more branches

duct

Based on Morphology Ducts

Simple Glands
1) Simple Tubular- Elongated secretory portion duct
usually short or absent
2) Branched tubular- Several long secretory parts joining
to drain 1 duct
3) Coiled Tubular- Secretory portion is very long and
coiled
4) Acinar/Alveolar- Rounded, Saclike secretory parts
entering the same duct
Compound Glands
1) Acinar/Alveolar Several saclike secretory units with
small ducts converge at a larger duct
2) Tubular Several enlongated, colied secretory units
and their ducts converge to form larger ducts
3) Tubuloacinar/Tubuloalveolar - Ducts of both tubular
and acinar secretory units converge at larger ducts

Mucous cells. The lumens (arrows) of mucous tubules are larger than those of serous acini.
Much connective tissue surrounds the mucous tubules and ducts (D).

2)

Serous (Viscous secretion)

With smaller lumen; cytoplasm is granular; oval nuclei

Excretes proteins, often enzymes

Filled apically with secretory granules in different

Pyramidal-shaped cells lining the acinus

e.g. parotid gland, lacrimal gland

Serous cells duct (D) Abundant RER (R), a Golgi complex (G), apical secretory granules
(SG) and the small acinar lumen (L)

3)

Mixed Gland

With both mucinous and serous glands

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(e.g.

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III. REFERENCES
Mescher, A. (2013.) Junquieras Basic Histology (13th ed.) McGrawHill.
Ross, M., Pawlina, W. (2011.) Histology: A Text and Atlas: With
Correlated Cell and Molecular Biology (6th ed.) Philadelphia, USA:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Young, B., Lowe, J., Stevens, A., Heath, J. (2006). Wheaters
Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas (5th ed.). Philadelphia,
USA: Elsevier Churchill Livingston.

E. HISTOGENESIS AND THE THREE GERM LAYERS

Germ Layer
The primary layer of cells formed during the embryo stage.
Differentiated epithelial cells rise from the three layers.
1)

ENDODERM (innermost layer)

a. Respiratory system epithelium
b. Alimentary canal epithelium
c. Extramural digestive gland epithelium
d. Thyroid, parathyroid, and thymus glands epithelial
components
e. Lining epithelium of the tympanic cavity and
f.
Eustachian tube

2)

MESODERM (middle layer)

a. Epithelium of kidney and gonads
b. Mesothelium
c. Endothelium
d. Adrenal cortex
e. Seminiferous and genital duct epithelium

3)

ECTODERM (outer layer)

a. Epidermis
b. Cornea, lens epithelia
c. Components of the inner ear
d. Adenohypophysis

EPITHELIAL CELL RENEWAL

Achieved through Mitosis

Dependent on epithelial type:

Small intestine: 4-6 days; not easily abraded

Epidermis: 28 days

Stem cells are located along the walls of the hair follicles

Stratified Epithelium: Mitosis occurs only in the basal layer

in contact with the basal lamina

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