Foundations - Histology Epithelia and Skin
Introduction
Background and Self-directed Learning for Medicine Foundations.
Practical - Histology Epithelia and Skin Virtual Slides by Patrick de Permentier.
This current page content is not part of the Foundations practical class.
- Links: Histology Introduction | Histology Epithelia and Skin | Histology Stains | Histology Drawings
Objectives
Epithelia
- Obtain an understanding of the histological appearance of various types of epithelia based on their cellular shape and number of layers.
- To examine the histological appearance of 2 other unique types of epithelia namely pseudostratified and transitional.
- To demonstrate some sites where the types of epithelia can be located
- To demonstrate certain epithelial specialisations such as microvilli and cilia.
- Relate the morphology of the epithelia to their various functions.
Skin
- To know the microscopic structure of the skin e.g. epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
- To know the histological differences between hairy (thin) and glabrous (thick) skin.
- To know the histology of associated structures e.g. eccrine and apocrine sweat glands,
sebaceous glands, and hair.
- To know the histological features of some sensory receptors namely: Pacinian and Meissner
corpuscles.
Epithelia
Epithelium forms continuous layers of cells that cover surfaces and line cavities of the body.
Epithelia cell shape | Epithelia sectioning appearance |
Epithelia Classification
- The number of cell layers: a single layer = simple epithelium; epithelia composed of more than one layer = stratified epithelia.
- The shape of the component cells when seen in sections taken at right angles to the epithelial surface: the shape may be squamous (flattened), cuboidal (about equal dimensions), or columnar (taller than it is wide).
- The presence of surface specializations e.g. cilia, microvilli and keratin.
Simple Epithelium
Simple Squamous
Virtual slides: Distributing artery and vein and Aorta
Simple Cuboidal
Virtual slides: Thyroid gland and Kidney
Simple Columnar
Virtual slides: Fallopian tube-isthmus and Duodenum
Stratified Epithelium
Stratified Squamous Non-Keratinising
Virtual slides: Tongue-Foliate papillae and Cervix of uterus/vaginal canal
Stratified Squamous Keratinising
Virtual slide: Skin
Stratified Cuboidal / Stratified Columnar
Virtual slides: Skin and Submandibular Gland
Pseudostratified Columnar
This type is categorized as simple because all the epithelial cells make contact with the basement membrane, but not all cells reach the surface of the epithelium.
Virtual slides: Epididymis and Trachea
Transitional
Located only in the urinary system, this epithelium is composed of 5 or more cell layers. Those located basally are either low columnar or cuboidal.
Virtual slides: Urinary bladder (relaxed) and Urinary bladder (partly distended)
Skin
Virtual slide: Thick skin (human palm).
Virtual slides: Thin skin (human scalp LS and TS) and Skin (axillary, human)
Terms
External Links
External Links Notice - The dynamic nature of the internet may mean that some of these listed links may no longer function. If the link no longer works search the web with the link text or name. Links to any external commercial sites are provided for information purposes only and should never be considered an endorsement. UNSW Embryology is provided as an educational resource with no clinical information or commercial affiliation.
- Blue Histology Epithelia | Skin
- UNSW Virtual Slides Medicine phase 1 (requires login for access). Histology Epithelia and Skin Virtual Slides
- UIOWA Virtual Slidebox of Histology Skin
Glossary Links
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Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, April 24) Embryology Foundations - Histology Epithelia and Skin. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Foundations_-_Histology_Epithelia_and_Skin
- © Dr Mark Hill 2024, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G