John R. Hoffman is a Professor of Biology, public speaker and a scientist examining the recovery of the nervous system after injury. Since 2006 he has written several unpublished manuscripts and he is currently working on the first Nathaniel Smythe novel and short story collection. He spends his spare time with his family and running.

3. Epithelia

Specific Objectives:

At the end of this lecture, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the basic structural and functional characteristics that distinguish epithelial tissues from the other tissue types.
  2. Correctly characterize an epithelia based on number of cellular layers and shape of surface cells.
  3. Describe each of the basic epithelia types in terms of appearance, function, and location in the body.
  4. Identify and describe the basic lateral specializations of epithelial cells including zonula occludens, zonula adherens, macula adherens, and gap junctions.
  5. Describe the concept of polarity as it relates to epithelia
    A. Compare and contrast the basolateral and apical cellular domains.
    B. Describe the basic structure and function of apical specializations of epithelial cells.
  6. Describe the basic characteristics of exocrine and endocrine glands.
  7. Describe the basic secretory products of exocrine gland cells.

Lectures:

Part 1

The lecture examines the basic properties of an epithelial tissue.

Part 2

The lecture examines the cell membrane domains of an epithelial tissue.

Part 3

The lecture examines the classification of an epithelium and examples of specific epithelial types.

Part 4

The lecture examines epithelial glands and secretory cells.

Laboratory:

This video provides an overview of the important concepts to remember as studying histological images to learn about epithelial tissues.

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