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Review Questions Slide 1

(Due 15-09-08)

Q1. How is the H&E staining method applied in study of histology?

A1. The H&E staining method is used as a research method in studying cells. The H
stands for hematoxylin, while the E stains for eosin. In order to study the cells, tissues
must be prepared by staining because most cells and extracellular material are
completely colorless. Staining methods help to make the tissue components
conspicuous and also allow us to see the distinctions between different types of
components. Hematoxylin is an example of a basic dye, while eosin is an example of
an acidic dye. Dyes stain tissue components selectively. Cell components that have a
net negative charge/anionic stain more readily with basic dyes, thus are called
basophilic. On the other hand, cell components that have a net positive
charge/cationic stain more readily with acidic dyes, thus are called acidophilic.
Hematoxylin produces a dark blue or purple color, while eosin produces a
reddish/pink color.
Basophilic components: nucleic acids (e.g. nucleus, RNA rich portion of the
cytoplasm, matrix of the cartilage)
Acidophilic components: cytoplasmic components and collagen
Q2. What are the features of electron microscopy? How to apply it?
A2. Electron microscopy utilizes the interaction of tissue components with beams of
electrons. Since the wavelength in the electron beam is much shorter than that of the
light beam, the resolution of the image seen is greater.
There are two types of electron microscopy: (1) Transmission Electron Microscopy
(TEM) and (2) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Transmission Electron Microscopy or TEM is used for observing the details of cells,
tissues, and organs mainly the organelles.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used for observing the pseudo 3D views of
the surface of cells, tissues, and organs. Examples include bulges, microvillum,
cilium, secretion and phagocytosis of cells.
In order to view cells using electron microscopy, prepare the tissues in steps similar to
how you would prepare tissues view under light microscopy. Note that differences
exist in the type of fixatives, dehydrating solutions and embedding used to allow thin
sectioning.

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Review Questions Slide 2
(Due 15-09-08)

Q1. What are the common features of epithelial tissue?

A1. Common features of epithelial tissue include:
- Sheet-like structure surrounding free surfaces of body or cavity
- Polar: apical, basal, lateral
- More cells bound tightly together structurally and functionally with little ECM
- Rest on basement membrane underlying CT
- No blood vessels, rich nerve endings
- Functions: protecting surfaces* (main function), absorption or transcytosis,
secretion, contractility, sensory
Q2. How to classify the various types of epithelia?
A2. The various types of epithelia are divided arbitrarily into two groups: covering (or
lining) epithelia and secretory (glandular) epithelia. It is important to note that some
lining epithelia also secrete and that some glandular cells are located amongst the
lining cells. The principles of the classification of the lining epithelia are based on the
number of layers or thickness and the shape or height of the cells.
Layer/thickness
o One layer: simple
o More than one: stratified
Shape/height
o Flattened: squamous
o Cube: cuboidal
o Tall pillar shape: columnar
Classification:
Simple
o Squamous
o Cuboidal
o Columnar
Pseudo stratified - all cells rest on the cell basement membrane (difference
between 2 and 3)
Stratified
o Squamous (very thick)
keratinised (dry)
non-keratinised (moist)
o Transitional (vary in thickness)
Q3. Why is it called endothelia or mesothelia?
A3. Both endothelium and mesothelium are tissues composed of simple squamous
epithelial cells. The difference in the terminology is due to the place the cells are in.
Endothelium is a simple squamous epithelial tissue that lines blood vessels.
Mesothelium is a simple squamous epithelial tissue that surrounds the outside of our
visceral organs.

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Q4. How many specializations have you learned? What are the features in
structure and function?
A4. The different polarization surfaces of the epithelium allows for different
specialized projecting structures.
Apical membrane: for absorption and secretion
Microvilli/stereocillia (extremely long microvilli):
o Increase surface area of absorption
o Contains microfilament that aids in movement of microvilli for
efficiency
Cilia/flagellum:
o Rapid back and forth movements
Basal membrane: for adhesion to tissue beneath and transport
Hemidesmosomes
o Adhesive structures
o Resemble half of a desmosome
o Contain abundant integrins rather than cadherins
Basement membrane/basal lamina
o For movement and differentiation of epithelium
o Made from collage and glycoprotein
o Lies between the epithelium and connective tissue
o Has three layers: clear layer, dense layer and reticular lamina
Plasma membrane infoldings
o Infoldings of the basal membrane
o Mitochondria are more longitudinal to assist active transport of water
and electrolytes across basal membrane
Lateral membrane
Lateral interdigitations
Types:
o Seals:
Tight junction/zonula occluden:
To ensure transcellular (through) movement of materials
rather than paracellular (between).
Most apical
Sealing strands are transmembrane proteins known as
claudin and occludin
o Adhesion:
Zonula adherens:
Firmly adhering the cells to its neighbors by cadherins
and Ca2+
Located below the zonula occludens
Macula densa/desmosomes
Firm adhesion
A single spot weld and has no belt formed around the
cell

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o Cell Communication:
Gap junction
For communication between cells
Circular patched formed by a complex
transmembrane protein known as connexons
Each connexon is made up of 6 connexins
Present almost everywhere

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