HUMAN ANATOMY

EVALS
Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE (3)
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita

system (except urinary bladder and

urethra) and Male and Female
Reproductive System
TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EPITHELIAL TISSUE
II. BASAL LAMINA AND THE BASEMENT
MEMBRANE
III. GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS AND
FUNCTIONS OF EPITHELIAL TISSUES

I. EPITHELIAL TISSUE

TISSUES

 cells that have formed together and have similar or

closely related functions
 bound together by intercellular substance and/or
cell-to-cell junctions.
*intercellular substance aka intercellular material;
extracellular substance; extracellular matrix

 4 basic tissues in the body

o Epithelial tissue
o Connective tissue
o Muscle tissue
o Nervous tissue
Figure 1. Derivatives of the Primary Germ Layers

EPITHELIAL TISSUE or EPITHELIUM II. BASAL LAMINA AND THE BASEMENT

 Plural: Epithelia
 Originated from 3 embryonic germ layers: Ectoderm,
Mesoderm, Endoderm
 closely packed specialized cells
 form the covering/lining of organs/body cavities and
boundaries
 Types of epithelium:
1. Surface epithelium
2. Glandular epithelium
 Characteristics of the Epithelium:
1. High cellularity
2. Made up of cells that are closely packed
together (with minimal intervening
intercellular substance)
3. Avascular but innervated (no blood
vessels are present between its cells but
has nerves)
4. Exhibit polarity.
5. Basal, Lateral and Apical Surface – can
be determined by the location of
organelles and surface modifications
6. Ability to REGENERATE.
 Embryonic Origin of Epithelial Tissues:
o Only EPITHELIA (of 4 basic tissues) are
derived from all 3 germ layers
o Ectoderm – origin of epithelia that cover
external surfaces of the body (eg//Skin
and its Appendages, Cornea of Eye) are
derived
o Endoderm – origin of epithelia that form
MEMBRANE
BASAL LAMINA
 Thin, amorphous extracellular material
 Area where the deepest layer of epithelium rest
(structural support)
 Impermeable barrier that allows only water and small
molecules to pass through
 Limits the contact between epithelial cells and the
other cell types in the tissue
 Not exclusively found or produced in epithelia (basal
lamina envelops muscle cells, fat cells, Schwann
cells, cells of adrenal medulla and few other special
types.
 Composed of more than 50 kinds of glycoproteins,
several types of collagen and proteoglycans
 Usually about 20-100 nm thick (but thicker in some
places i.e., glomerulus of kidney)
 LM - undistinguishable
 EM – trilaminar (2 electron lucent layers sandwiching
1 electron dense layer):
Figure 3. Trilaminar Layer of Basal Lamina

part of the digestive tract (except mouth
and anus  ectoderm), liver, gallbladder,
pancreas, respiratory tract, urinary
bladder, urethra.
o Mesoderm – origin of epithelia that are
present in the heart, blood, lymphatic
vessels, serous cavities, urinary
o Lamina rara externa (lamina lucida):
o electron-lucent layer
o where basal surfaces of the epithelial
cells rest
o Constituents: glycoproteins including
laminin and proteoglycans.

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 HUMAN ANATOMY
EVALS
Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE (3)
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita

o Lamina densa: o Epithelial cells in the kidney (excretion

o electron dense layer
o network of fine filaments
o Constituents: collagen type IV and
proteoglycans
o Lamina rara interna:
o other electron-lucent layer
o not always present
o Morphologically similar to lamina
rara externa but THINNER and often
indistinct
o Constituents: collagen type VII,
fibronectin, thrombospondin and
proteoglycans
BASEMENT MEMBRANE
 Lamina fibroreticularis:
o layer of extracellular material in many
epithelial tissues found between basal
lamina and underlying tissuer
o contains collagen and reticular fibers
and fibronectin
o 200 to 500 nm thick (much thicker than
the basal lamina)
o absent in some epithelial tissues
(glomeruli of the kidneys and the
capsule of the lens of the eye)
o product of fibroblasts (not of epithelial
cells)
 Basal Lamina + Lamina Fibroreticularis =
Basement Membrane (thick enough to be
appreciated as a homogenous layer under LM)
of waste product and maintenance of
fluid and electrolyte balance)
o Epithelial cells in the testes (sources of
germ cells)
 Classification of Surface Epithelial Tissues:
1. Based on the number of layers:
o Simple epithelial tissues: consists of a
single layer of cells
o Stratified epithelial tissues: consists of
more than one layer of cells
2. Based on cell shape:
o Squamous: cells are flattened
o Cuboidal: cells are equally tall as wide
o Columnar: cells are taller than they are
wide
3. Based on the type of surface modifications:
o Apical: pointed toward the cavity or
lumen
o Cilia, Flagella, Stereocilia,
Microvilli
o Basal: rests at basement membrane
o Hemidesmosomes, Infoldings
of Plasmalemma
o Lateral: surfaces that are touching other
epithelial cell
o Zonula Occludens, Zonula
Adherens, Macula Adherens
(desmosome), Gap Junction

III. GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS AND

FUNCTIONS OF EPITHELIAL TISSUES

 The epithelial tissues in the body can be

categorized into 2 groups:
o Surface epithelium:
o covers the external surfaces
(covering epithelium) and lines the
internal surfaces (lining epithelium)
o i.e., skin, luminal surfaces of visceral Figure 2. Surface Modifications of Epithelia
organs and ducts of glands of the
body
 Types of Surface Epithelium
o Glandular epithelium:
o cells are specialized to elaborate / 1. SIMPLE SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM
produce and release / secrete
o A single layer of flattened cell nucleus
macromolecules (secretions).
occupies the thickest part of the cells
o There is an overlap between the two
o Lines the tunica intima
categories of epithelial tissues because
o From surface: exhibit irregular polygonal
some surface epithelia are also secretory.
outlines
o Best stain: Silver dyes – dye get deposited
1. SURFACE EPITHELIUM
into intercellular substance between cells
 The function of a surface epithelial tissue
o Function: lines the lung alveoli, the parietal
depends on its location.
layer of the Bowman’s capsule in the
Examples:
kidneys, and many other structures.
o skin –serves a protective function;
o The shape of some epithelial cells depends
serves as an absorptive surface
on their functional state.
o In the gastrointestinal tract – it serves
Example:
as an absorptive surface
 Thyroid follicles: the epithelial cells form
 Surface epithelial cells with special functions:
a simple squamous or cuboidal
o Neuroepithelial cells of taste buds in
epithelium
the tongue (sensory)
 Active follicles: they form a tall cuboidal
o Olfactory cells of the olfactory
or columnar epithelium
epithelium in the nose (sensory)

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 HUMAN ANATOMY
Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita
 the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles
form a simple squamous epithelium in
primordial follicles but the cells become
cuboidal and later the epithelium
stratifies when the follicle transforms into
a primary follicle.
o Special names form some simple squamous
epithelia:
 Mesothelium: lines the serous
cavities of the body
o pericardium, peritoneum,
and pleura
 Endothelium: lines the luminal
surface of the heart, blood, and
lymphatic vessels.
*Epithelium that lines the under surface of the
cornea is also referred to as endothelium, but the
corneal endothelium is simple cuboidal
epithelium
 SIMPLE CUBOIDAL EPITHELIUM
o Consists of a single layer of cells whose
height approximates their width.
o Side view of epithelium: squarish in outline,
nuclei are round and centrally located
o Top view: Cells with polyhydral outlines that
fit each other snugly
o Present in segments of the ducts of the
major salivary glands and the pancreas,
collecting tubules of the kidney, some
follicles of the thyroid gland, and the
surface of the ovary.
 SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM
o Consists of a single layer of tall/column-like
cells
o Nuclei: oval-shaped; forming a single row at
the basal area of the cells
o Lines the stomach, intestines, and large
ducts of some exocrine glands.
o In some organs, cells are ciliated. Ciliated
simple columnar epithelium typically lines
the uterus and oviducts.
 PSEUDOSTRATIFIED COLUMNAR
EPITHELIUM
o variant of simple columnar epithelium in
certain parts of the body.
o Literally means “False stratified
epithelium”
o “Pseudo” due to multiple level orientation of
nucleus.
o Consists of a SINGLE LAYER of tall
columnar cells that lie on the basal lamina
o LM: nuclei are disposed in various levels
(sometimes mistaken for stratified type of
epithelium)
o Lines the membranous and spongy parts
of the male urethra; usually seen in the
respiratory tract.
o Subtype: has modifications on the apical
surface (usually cilia).
o Ciliated pseudostratified columnar
epithelium (aka respiratory epithelium) 
lines the larger passageways of the
respiratory system (i.e., trachea and main
bronchi)
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EVALS
(3)
 STRATIFIED EPITHELIAL TISSUES
Rule of Thumb: Stratified epithelia are named
based on the shape of the cells in their most
superficial layer
1. Stratified squamous: the cells on
the most superficial layer of the
stratified epithelium are flattened.
2. Stratified cuboidal: the cells on the
most superficial layer of the stratified
epithelium approximates their height
to their width.
3. Stratified columnar: the cells on the
most superficial layer of the stratified
epithelium are taller than they are
wide.
 STRATIFIED SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM
o Superficial layer: cells are flat or plaque-
like
o Deeper layers: cells are tall cuboidal or
even columnar
o LM - Deepest to Most Superficial:
progressive diminution in the height of
cells
o Basal/Deep Layers: mitotically active;
new cells are produced
o Superficial Cells: Old cells that have
been pushed to the surface by newly-
formed ones
o Lines the esophagus and vagina
o can withstand rubbing more than any
other type of epithelium.
o “dry” – if cells of the most superficial
layers are dead cells (no nucleus and
organelles)
o This type of epithelium is termed
keratinized (i.e., Keratinized
Stratified Squamous Epithelium)
o Forms the outer histologic layer
of the skin  Epidermis
o “wet” – cells of the most superficial
layer are flattened but still nucleated
o This type of epithelium is
termed nonkeratinized (a
misnomer because all cells in
epithelium contain keratin)
o Lines oral cavity, esophagus,
vagina, part of the urethra,
and the most superficial
layer of the cornea of the eye
o Keratinized Stratified Epithelium
o “dry”
o most superficial layer has no nucleus
and organelles
o Impervious to water
o Has keratin
o Non-Keratinized Stratified Epithelium
o “wet”
o most superficial layer STILL
nucleated and has organelles
o Has keratin
 STRATIFIED CUBOIDAL EPITHELIUM
o Consists of two or three layers of
cuboidal cells
o Lines the larger ducts of some glands
such as the major salivary glands.
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 HUMAN ANATOMY
EVALS
Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE (3)
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita

o axoneme (called a 9+2

 STRATIFIED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM
o Consists of at least two layers of
columnar cells
o Sometimes the cells of the deeper layer/s
are cuboidal.
o Lines the large ducts of some glands.
 TRANSITIONAL EPITHELIUM (Urothelium)
o Features are in between stratified
squamous and stratified cuboidal
epithelia
o Type of stratified epithelium unique to
mammals
o Able to withstand stretching
o Lines the urinary passages (i.e., renal
calyces, renal pelvis, and ureter) and the
urinary bladder  urogenital system.
o Contracted State: Basal Cells are
cuboidal and Superficial Cells bulge out
into the lumen (dome-shaped;
UMBRELLA CELLS)
o Distended State: Superficial Cells get
stretched (hence, flatten into a thin
stratified squamous epithelium)
SURFACE MODIFICATION OF EPITHELIAL CELLS
 Occur in the apical (superficial), lateral, and/or
basal surface/s
 Distributed depending on specific functions
axoneme) consists of a pair of
centrally located microtubules
that is surrounded by nine pairs
(doublets) of microtubules.
o They are motile
o beat sequentially or
synchronously in one direction
o helpful in propelling substances
over the surface of the
epithelium.
 FLAGELLA
o Singular: (Flagellum)
o simply long cilia
o In humans:
o only one cell type possesses a
flagellum, the spermatozoon.
o The spermatozoon has only
one flagellum, which is otherwise
called tail.
o Tail of a spermatozoon is more
than 50 micrometers long and its
main function is to propel the cell
along the female genital tract.
o In connection with the centriole, a
flagellum, like cilium, grows out of a
centriole (also called basal body) to
which it remains attached even when it is
already fully developed.

 STEREOCILIA
 MODIFICATIONS ON THE APICAL SURFACES
 Single: stereocilium
OF EPITHELIAL CELLS: microvilli, cilia,
 simply microvilli as long as cilia.
flagella, and stereocilia.
 Like microvilli, non-motile and their core
consists of actin filaments.
1. MICROVILLI (singular:microvillus):
 Characteristic of the epithelial cells that
o short (1.0 microns long) and fine (0.08
line the ductus (vas) epididymis and
microns in diameter)
ductus deferens, long tubules that help
o finger-like extensions or processes of the
convey sperm cells from the testes to the
plasma membrane
external environment.
o LM: NOT individually distinguishable but
 Also present on the hair cells of the inner
form a fuzzy, fine vertical line (striated
ear where they play a role in auditory
border or brush boarder) on the
and vestibular perception
epithelium where they are numerous
(i.e., small intestine)
 MODIFICATIONS ON THE LATERAL
o Coated on their outer surface by
SURFACES OF THE EPITHELIAL CELLS
Glycocalyx
(INTERCELLULAR JUNCTIONS; CELL-TO-
o Core: network of actin filaments that is
CELL ATTACHMENTS; JUNCTIONAL
attached to the inner surface of the
COMPLEXES)
plasma membrane
o Adjoining cells of epithelial cells are
o Few to Several thousands per cell
attached to each other on their lateral
depending on cell type.
surfaces by membrane and cytoskeletal
o Function: to increase the surface area of
specializations
the epithelium
 Simplest of these cell-to-cell
 CILIA (KINOCILIA)
attachments: finger-like
o Singular: cilium; kinocilium
cytoplasmic processes that
o present in the apical surfaces of cells
interdigitate with adjacent cells
specialized for transport of fluid or mucus
o Form four types of specialized
over the surface of the epithelium
intercellular junctions that are
o Under LM, finger-like extensions of the
distinguishable under the electron
plasma membrane can be distinguished
microscope:
o longer and thicker than microvilli
 Zonula occludens
o Length: 7 to 10 micrometers  Zonula adherens
Thickness: 0.2 micrometers  Desmosome
o In the EM, the core (axoneme) of a cilium These three keep adjacent cells
consists of microtubules that run parallel in a surface epithelium glued
to its long axis. together thus ensuring that

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 HUMAN ANATOMY
Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita
substances can enter or leave
the underlying tissue only by
passing through, rather than
between, the surface epithelial
cells.
 Gap junction
designed to be enable adjacent
cells to communicate with each
other
o Juxtaluminal junctional complex or
terminal bar: collective term for zonula
occludens and zonula adherens.
o Four special types of junctional
complexes are all present and well-
developed in simple cuboidal and
simple columnar epithelia such as
those that line the gastrointestinal tract.
 In many other epithelia, however, not
all the junctional complexes are
seen.
 In the epidermis (i.e. the epithelial
covering of the skin), the only
junctional complex that exists
between the cells is the
desmosome.
 ZONULA OCCLUDENS (TIGHT JUNCTIONS;
CLOSING BELT)
o most apically situated of the junctional
complexes and located on the lateral
surface of each epithelial cell
immediately below the free surface of the
cell
o Forms a band: 0.1 to 0.3 micrometers
thick, which completely surrounds the
cell
o Cell membranes of adjacent cells stick to
each other (without any intervening
intercellular substance)
o In several places, the adjoining cell
membranes actually fuse together.
o At points of fusion, the adjoining cells
share a common cell membrane,
which is seen as a single trilaminar
structure in the EM.
 ZONULA ADHERENS (ADHERENS
JUNCTION; ADHERING BELT; BELT
DESMOSOME; BAND DESMOSOME)
o Located just below the zonula occludens.
Like the latter, it forms a band that
completely encircles each epithelial cell.
o Cell membranes of adjoining cells are
very close to each other, but they neither
adhere nor fuse.
o Separated by a narrow intercellular
space (15 to 20 nm wide) which is
filled with extracellular material that
binds the apposed cell membranes
to each other.
o Cytoplasmic surfaces of the apposed
membranes that form the zonula
adherens contain a bundle of fine
filaments.
o These fine filaments serve as anchor
for the terminal web: a layer of
microfilaments (actin filaments) and
intermediate (keratin) filaments
that form a network across the cell
just below its apical surface
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EVALS
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o Terminal web is present in some
epithelial cells with microvilli, where
it serves a supportive or cytoskeletal
function.
 DESMOSOME (MACULA ADHERENS; SPOT
DESMOSOME)
o Desmosomes are usually situated just below
the zonula adherens, but they maybe in other
areas on the lateral surface of epithelial cells.
o Unlike zonula occludens and zonula
adherens, they do not form a band around
the epithelial cell. Instead, they form button-
like or rivet like adhesions that are
arranged in a line around the cell.
o Under the LM, they sometimes appear as a
thickening of the cell membrane.
o A desmosome consists of an ovoid protein
disc or plaque that is split into halves.
o Half of the disc is firmly attached to
the cytoplasmic surface of the cell
membrane of an epithelial cell while
the other half is similarly attached to
the cytoplasmic surface of the cell
membrane of the adjoining cell.
o Within each of the apposed cells,
numerous intermediate (keratin)
filaments converge and insert into
each half-disc.
o Cells are separated by a relatively wide
(about 30 nm) intercellular space, which
contains numerous transverse filaments and
adhesion proteins that bind the apposed cell
membranes to each other.
o Particularly numerous in the epidermis of the
skin where they are the only type of junctional
complex present
 GAP JUNCTION (NEXUS; COMMUNICATING
JUNCTION)
o Broad areas where the plasma membranes
of adjoining epithelial cells are closely
apposed but not fused to each other.
o Cells are separated by an intercellular space
that is only about 3 nm wide and the apposed
plasma membranes are perforated by
numerous tiny tubes called connexons.
o Enable adjacent cells to exchange ions and
small molecules because the connexons of
adjoining epithelial cells are aligned and
continuous with each other.
 MODIFICATIONS ON THE BASAL SURFACES
OF EPITHELIAL CELLS.
 Contain specializations that serve for better
attachment or for more efficient functioning.
 Forms of basal modifications:
o Hemidesmosome
 exists in some epithelial cells
such as stratum basale of the
epidermis of the skin.
 structurally identical to half a
desmosome, thus, the name.
Hemidesmosomes
 help anchor the epithelial cells to
the underlying basal lamina
o Basal infoldings of the plasmalemma
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 HUMAN ANATOMY
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Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE (3)
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita

 present in cells lining some o exemplified by the goblet cell (mucous cell)
segments of the renal tubule o constitute the surface and
 seen as basal striations under glandular epithelium of many
the LM segments of the digestive and
respiratory tracts
 increase the absorbing capacity
o A columnar cell that is cup-
of a cell. shaped when seen in histologic
preparations
GLANDULAR EPITHELIUM o Tapered base rests on the basal
lamina
 Organized to form the functional component/s or
o Apical portion called theca, is
secretory unit/s of structures called glands expanded to accommodate
o Glands produce substances numerous membrane-bound
(secretions) secretory vesicles (contain
 On the basis of where they release their mucin, a glycoprotein which
secretions, glands are categorized into 2 groups: when mixed with water forms
o Exocrine glands mucus)
o Secretory vesicles push the
o deliver their secretions into the nucleus and most of the
surface epithelium cytoplasmic organelles towards
o secretory units are located some the basal surface of the cell.
distance from the epithelial surface o Do not take up the dye well and
o transport their secretions to the coalesce during routine
epithelial surface by way of tubular histologic preparation
 area they occupy is
passageways called ducts
simply seen as a pale-
o Endocrine glands: deliver their secretions staining region
into the blood or lymph; ductless
 MULTICELLULAR GLANDS
 ENDOCRINE GLANDS o Three categories of multicellular glands (i.e.
 Formation of endocrine glands glands that consist of more than one cell):
o With formation of duct o Secretory epithelial sheet
 Most glands arise in the embryo  refers to any surface
as invagination or evagination of epithelium, where most
the covering epithelium of the cells are secretory.
body cavities.  E.g. ependyma, the
 The invaginated or evaginated simple cuboidal
epithelium acquires supporting epithelium that lines the
structures- connective tissue, choroid plexuses in the
brain, and which
blood vessels, and nerves.
produces cerebrospinal
 It then develops into a gland. fluid (CSF)
 A developing gland
remains initially  Intraepithelial gland
connected to its site of  group of secretory cells
origin by a duct which is that gathers together
around a small orifice
later severed and gland
(serves as a duct)
becomes ductless.  form shallow
o Without formation of duct invaginations within the
 Some endocrine glands arise by epithelial surface
migration of epithelial cells  e.g. penile urethra
without ever forming a duct. o Glands with ducts
 Hormones.  possess “true” ducts.
 most complex of the
o Secretions that endocrine glands elaborate
exocrine glands
o a chemical substance (steroid, peptide,  Their secretory units,
amine) which lie underneath the
o carried by blood to organs or tissues that epithelium, are
have cells (target cells) connected to the
o Acts as a chemical messenger that enables epithelial surface to
an endocrine gland to exert its influence on which they deliver their
secretions by a duct or
its target cells, tissues, and organs system of ducts.
 Exist as distinct organs such as the adrenals and  Formation: arise as
thyroid gland, or as components of organs such invaginations of surface
as the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. epithelia. They retain
their tubular connections
 EXOCRINE GLANDS (ducts) with the surface
epithelium even when
 Classified according to the number of cells that
they are already fully
comprise them into unicellular or multicellular formed.
glands  Range in size from
 UNICELLULAR GLANDS microscopic structures
o composed of a single cell and is the simplest to large distinct organs
type of gland such as the major

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 HUMAN ANATOMY
Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita
salivary glands,
pancreas, and the liver
 CLASSIFICATION OF EXOCRINE GLANDS
WITH DUCTS ACCORDING TO
MORPHOLOGY
 Exocrine glands with ducts are classified and
sub-classified according to:
o Complexity of their duct/s
o Morphology of their secretory units (i.e. the
cluster of cells that produce secretion or
secretory material
 Simple gland
o a gland has a single unbranched duct
 Compound gland
o a gland that has a duct with branches
 Forms of secretory units of exocrine glands:
o blind-ending tubes (secretory tubules)
 If all its secretory units are in the
form of secretory tubules, the
gland is a tubular gland
o globular or basket-like structures (acini;
alveoli)
 if all its accessory units are in the
form of acini (singular: acinus)
or alveoli (singular:alveolus),
the gland is an alveolar or
acinous gland
o If some of the secretory portions are
tubular and some are globular, the gland
is a tubuloalveolar gland
(tubuloacinous gland)
 further classified into either
branched or coiled when their
secretory units are branched
orcoiled, respectively
 Examples include:
o Simple tubular glands: the crypts of
Lieberkuhn (intestinal glands) in the
intestines.
o Simple branched tubular glands:
cardiac glands in the stomach
o Simple coiled tubular glands: sweat
glands
o Simple branched alveolar glands:
sebaceous glands in the skin
o Compound coiled tubular glands:
Brunner’s glands in the duodenum (i.e.
first segment of the small intestine)
o Compound tubuloalveolar glands:
major salivary glands (i.e. parotid,
submandibular, and sublingual)
 CLASSIFICATION OF SECRETORY CELLS,
ACINI AND EXOCRINE GLANDS ACCORDING
TO NATURE OF SECRETION
 Classified into two types according to the
nature of their secretion:
o Mucous (mucous-secreting)
o produce a viscous secretion that
contains mucin, a substance
rich in glycoproteins that when
hydrated forms mucus that
protects and lubricates covering
epithelia.
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EVALS
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o Nucleus is highly condensed and
flattened, and is pushed towards
the basal area by secretory
granules
o Do not take up the dyes well,
poorly preserved, have pale-
staining cytoplasm in histologic
preparations
o Mucous alveoli (acini):
secretory units of exocrine
glands that consist entirely of
mucous cells
o Mucous glands: consist
exclusively of mucous alveoli
o Serous (serous-secreting)
o produces thin, watery secretion
that often contains enzymes.
o Columnar cells with spherical
and basally located nucleus
o Cytoplasm is basophilic
especially around the nucleus
o Secretory granules, which take
up the dyes rather well, are
mostly located in the apical
region of the cell
o Serous alveoli (acini): secretory
units consisting exclusively of
serous cells
o Serous glands: secretory units
consist exclusively of serous
alveoli
 Mixed alveoli (acini): contain both mucous
and serous cells
o Submandibular gland: In some
mixed alveoli where most of the
secretory cells are mucous cells
o Demilunes (of Gianuzzi): formed by
few serous cells that are present,
resemble crescentic caps at the
periphery of the alveoli.
 The cells in the serous
demilunes empty their
secretion into tiny canaliculi
located between the mucous
cells.
 The tiny canaliculi, in turn,
drain into the lumen of the
acinus.
o Mixed glands: contain serous and
mucous, and/or mixed alveoli
 CLASSIFICATION OF EXOCRINE GLANDS
ACCORDING TO THE MODE OF SECRETION
 Classified into three groups:
o Merocrine glands
 release their secretion by
exocytosis
 discharge of the secretion does not
result in the loss of any part of the cell
 Ex: major salivary glands and the
exocrine portion of pancreas
o Holocrine glands
 release of secretion entails
destruction of the secretory cells
whose remnants are then discharged
by the gland together with the
secretions.
 Ex: sebaceous glands in the skin
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Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE (3)
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita

o Apocrine glands
 apical part of the secretory cells is
released together with the secretory
product
 Ex: ceruminous glands in the skin
that lines the external auditory
meatus, lactating mammary gland,
and sweat glands

 MYOEPITHELIAL CELLS (BASKET CELLS)

 flattened, stellate cells that are present between
the epithelial cells and the basal lamina
 located in the secretory units and small ducts of
many exocrine glands.
 Under the LM, have a flattened, dark-staining,
fusiform nucleus and scanty eosinophilic
cytoplasm. They possess long cytoplasmic
processes that wrap around a secretory unit or
segment of a duct.
 Contains actin that is similar to that found in
smooth muscles.
 Cells are also contractile where they eject the
secretions of the acini into the ducts and propel
the secretions towards the main ducts.
 present in the sweat glands, mammary glands,
lacrimal glands, and major salivary glands.

REFERENCES:

1. Lecture Notes
2. PPT
3. Esteban & Gonzales’ Textbook of Histology by
Dr. Eduardo G. Gonzales, M.D. (5th edition)
4. Dr. Kent Ermita’s handout

“The only competition in life is yourself, don’t

hesitate to help others” – unknown

STUDY HARD, PRAY HARDER (Magtirik ng kandila)

TRANSCRIBERS: Aljie Igros, Monica Mendoza, Rapha Pua, Janina Sio

SUBTRANSHEADS: Mark Antonio, Marie Macalino 8 OF # 9
 HUMAN ANATOMY
EVALS
Lecture (1): EPITHELIAL TISSUE (3)
Lecturer: Dr. Kent Ermita

TRANSCRIBERS: Aljie Igros, Monica Mendoza, Rapha Pua, Janina Sio

SUBTRANSHEADS: Mark Antonio, Marie Macalino 9 OF # 9