High School Biology : Understanding Properties of Epithelium

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Properties Of Epithelium

Which of the following is NOT a property of epithelial tissue?

Possible Answers:

Tight junctions

Innervation

Basement membranes

Vasculature

Correct answer:

Vasculature

Explanation:

An epithelia is a sheet of cells that are closely associated. Cells within an epithelium are polarized, indicating that the cells have a "direction". One side of the epithelium is called "apical" while the other side is "basal." The apical region is oriented toward a lumen, while the basal region is oriented toward a basement membrane associated with connective tissue. Cells within an epithelium are innervated, but not vascularized; therefore, they must receive signals through other methods of intercellular signaling, such as tight junctions.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Properties Of Epithelium

The epidermis is composed of which type of epithelium?

Possible Answers:

Simple squamous epithelium

Stratified squamous epithelium

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Stratified columnar epithelium

Correct answer:

Stratified squamous epithelium

Explanation:

The epidermis is composed of five layers of flattened epithelial cells. This stratified squamous epithelium allows the skin to be a barrier for the body and prevent pathogens and foreign materials from entering.

Stratified epithelium has multiple layers, and squamous epithelium is flattened.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Properties Of Epithelium

Which of the following is not a function of the epithelium?

Possible Answers:

Production of germ cells

Protection

Absorption

Transmission of impulses

Secretion

Correct answer:

Transmission of impulses

Explanation:

Nervous tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, and nerves function to transmit impulses for coordination, sensory reception, and motor actions. Epithelial tissue protects (skin), secretes (glands), absorbs (kidneys), and produces germ cells (embryo).

Example Question #3 : Understanding Properties Of Epithelium

Which of the of the following is not a property of epithelium?

Possible Answers:

Has distinct upper and lower surfaces

Supported by blood cells

Is almost entirely made up of cells

Is supported via connective tissue

Correct answer:

Supported by blood cells

Explanation:

Epithelium describes the inner and outer surfaces of the body including; the skin, colons, and the stomach. These surfaces have distinct upper and lower sides, are kept in place by connective tissue, and are made up almost entirely of cells. However, they are not supported by blood cells. 

Example Question #3 : Understanding Properties Of Epithelium

Which of the following is not a function of epithelial tissue?

Possible Answers:

Lining body cavities

Covering body surfaces

All of these are functions of epithelial tissue

Lining hollow organs

Secreting substances to other areas of the body via ducts

Correct answer:

All of these are functions of epithelial tissue

Explanation:

The primary function of epithelial tissue is to provide linings that separate the body from the external environment. Epithelial tissue lines blood vessels, the respiratory and digestive tracts, the excretory system, and composes the skins. Epithelial tissue also lines the ducts that connect the body to the exterior, such as those that allow the pancreas to secrete enzymes into the small intestine.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Properties Of Epithelium

Which statement is true of epithelial tissue?

Possible Answers:

It lacks blood vessels

Fat cells are an example of epithelial tissue

The cells rarely divide

None of these

It consists of mostly extracellular material

Correct answer:

It lacks blood vessels

Explanation:

Epithelial tissue is avascular (does not have a blood supply); thus epithelial tissue is always found in close association with connective tissue that has a rich blood supply. Epithelial cells cover organs and are thus subject to lots of friction. As a result they are continually being renewed, and divide quickly. In particular, skin cells and the epithelium lining the digestive tract have a high rate of division.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Properties Of Epithelium

Which of the following types of tissue is responsible for the storage of energy and insultation in the form of fat?

Possible Answers:

Adipose tissue

Nervous tissue

Striated tissue

Smooth tissue

Epithelial tissue

Correct answer:

Adipose tissue

Explanation:

Adipose tissue is the anatomical term assigned to fatty tissue. Keep in mind that adipose tissue is a type of connective tissue. Adipose tissue serves as an energy store, helps maintenain of core body temperature, and protects internal organs from damage caused by trauma. Epithelial tissue is responsible for covering body cavities, and comprising glandular tissue. Nervous tissue is responsible for receiving sensory input from the environment, integration of the sensory input, control of muscles and glands, maintenance of body homeostasis, and emotions/personality. Smooth and striated are subsets of muscle tissue: skeletal and cardiac muscle are striated, whereas smooth muscle is not.

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