Objectives+and+Introduction

=Objectives=
 * 1) Demonstrate an understanding of the different structural and functional characteristics of epithelial tissue
 * 2) Name, classify and describe the functions and locations of different epithelial tissue

=Introduction= Epithelium is sheets of cells covering most of the free surfaces of the body, both internal and external. Cellularity – composed almost entirely of cells Special contacts – form continuous sheets held together by tight junctions and desmosomes and they have a polarity meaning that they have an apical and basal surface (or a top and a bottom) Cells of like structure and function gather together to form tissue. Epithelial tissues are:

For More on Epithelia Structure click here
 * Supported by connective tissue – reticular and basal laminae
 * Avascular but innervated – contains no blood vessels but supplied by nerve fibers
 * Regenerative – rapidly replaces lost cells by cell division

They cover: Structure and Function Epithelial Content
 * Serous fluid filled cavities - lining of the mouth
 * Hollow structures and tubes – lining of the walls of digestive tract, airways, blood vessels and urogenital tract
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Glands – glandular epithelium is the functioning part of the glands
 * <span style="color: black; display: block; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Body surfaces – skin which is the biggest free external surface