Discuss the structure and function of epithelial tissue including their membrane proteins and explain why this...

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Biology

Discuss the structure and function of epithelial tissueincluding their membrane proteins and explain why this tissue is soimportant to the whole organism.

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Functions of the Epithelium Epithelia tissue forms boundaries between different environments and nearly all substances must pass through the epithelium In its role as an interface tissue epithelium accomplishes many functions including 1 Protection for the underlying tissues from radiation desiccation toxins and physical trauma 2 Absorption of substances in the digestive tract lining with distinct modifications 3 Regulation and excretion of chemicals between the underlying tissues and the body cavity 4 The secretion of hormones into the blood vascular system The secretion of sweat mucus enzymes and other products that are delivered by ducts come from the glandular epithelium 5 The detection of sensation Characteristics of Epithelial Layers Epithelial tissue is composed of cells laid out in sheets with strong celltocell attachments These protein connections hold the cells together to form a tightly connected layer that is avascular but innervated in nature The epithelial cells are nourished by substances diffusing from blood vessels in the underlying connective tissue One side of the epithelial cell is oriented towards the surface of the tissue body cavity or external environment and the other surface is joined to a basement membrane The basement layer is noncellular in nature and helps to cement the epithelial tissue to the underlying structures Types of Epithelial Tissue Epithelial tissues are identified by both the number of layers and the shape of the cells in the upper layers There are eight basic types of epithelium six of them are identified based on both the number of cells and their shape two of them are named by the type of cell squamous found in them Epithelial tissue is classified based on the number of cells the shape of those cells and the types of those cells Simple Epithelia Simple epithelium consists of a single layer of cells They are typically where absorption secretion and filtration occur The thinness of the epithelial barrier facilitates these See Answer

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