Part 1 - Get a Lab Appointment and Install Software:
Set up an Account on the Scheduler (FIRST TIME USING NANSLO):
Find the email from your instructor with the URL (link) to sign up at the scheduler.
Set up your scheduling system account and schedule your lab appointment.
NOTE: You cannot make an appointment until two weeks prior to the start date of this lab assignment.
You can get your username and password from your email to schedule within this time frame.
Install the Citrix software: – go to http://receiver.citrix.com and click
download > accept > run > install (FIRST TIME USING NANSLO).
You only have to do this ONCE. Do NOT open it after installing. It will work automatically when you go
to your lab. (more info at
http://www.wiche.edu/info/nanslo/creative_science/Installing_Citrix_Receiver_Program.pdf)
Scheduling Additional Lab Appointments:
Get your scheduler account username and password from your email.
Go to the URL (link) given to you by your instructor and set up your appointment.
(more info at http://www.wiche.edu/nanslo/creative-science-solutions/students-scheduling-labs)
Changing Your Scheduled Lab Appointment:
Get your scheduler account username and password from your email. Go to http://scheduler.nanslo.org
and select the “I am a student” button. Log in to go to the student dashboard and modify your
appointment time. (more info at http://www.wiche.edu/nanslo/creative-science-solutions/studentsscheduling-labs)
Part 2 – Before Lab Day:
Read your lab experiment background and procedure below, pages 1-21.
Submit your completed Pre-Lab 1-4 Questions (page 3-6) per your faculty’s instructions.
Watch the Microscope Control Panel Video Tutorial
http://www.wiche.edu/nanslo/lab-tutorials#microscope
Part 3 – Lab Day
Log in to your lab session – 2 options:
1)Retrieve your email from the scheduler with your appointment info or
2) Log in to the student dashboard and join your session by going to http://scheduler.nanslo.org
NOTE: You cannot log in to your session before the date and start time of your appointment. Use
Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Click on the yellow button on the bottom of the screen and follow the instructions to talk to your lab
partners and the lab tech.
Remote Lab Activity
SUBJECT SEMESTER: ____________
TITLE OF LAB: Histology - Epithelial Tissue
Lab format: This lab is a remote lab activity.
Relationship to theory (if appropriate): In this lab you will learn the underlying principles
behind the histological study of tissues.
Instructions for Instructors: This protocol is written under an open source CC BY license. You
may use the procedure as is or modify as necessary for your class. Be sure to let your students
know if they should complete optional exercises in this lab procedure as lab technicians will not
know if you want your students to complete optional exercises.
Instructions for Students: Read the complete laboratory procedure before coming to lab.
Under the experimental sections, complete all pre-lab materials before logging on to the
remote lab. Complete data collection sections during your online period, and answer questions
in analysis sections after your online period. Your instructor will let you know if you are
required to complete any optional exercises in this lab.
Remote Resources: Primary – Microscope, Secondary – Histology slide set.
CONTENTS FOR THIS NANSLO LAB ACTIVITY:
Learning Objectives.................................................................................................... 2
Background Information ........................................................................................... 2-3
Equipment ................................................................................................................. 3
Preparing for this NANSLO Lab Activity .................................................................... 4
Experimental Procedure ........................................................................................... 4
Pre-lab Exercise 1: Simple Squamous Epithelium .................................................... 5
Exercise 1: Simple Squamous Epithelium ................................................................ 5
Pre-lab Exercise 2: Simple Cuboidal Epithelium ...................................................... 5
Exercise 2: Simple Cuboidal Epithelium ................................................................... 5-6
1|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015
CONTENTS FOR THIS NANSLO LAB ACTIVITY – CONT’D
Pre-lab Exercise 3: Simple Cilated Columnar Epithelium ........................................ 6
Exercise 3: Simple Cilated Columnar Epithelium .................................................... 6
Pre-lab Exercise 4: Stratified Squamous Epithelium ................................................ 7
Exercise 4: Stratified Squamous Epithelium ............................................................ 7
Summary Questions .................................................................................................. 7
Creative Commons Licensing .................................................................................... 8
U.S. Department of Labor Information ..................................................................... 8
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Overview of histology and tissue types
1. Define the term histology.
2. List four major tissue types.
3. Contrast the general features of the four major tissue types.

Microscopic anatomy, location, and functional roles of epithelial tissue
1. Classify the different types of epithelial tissue based on distinguishing structural
characteristics.
2. Describe locations in the body where each type of epithelial tissue can be found.
3. Describe the functions of each type of epithelial tissue in the human body and
correlate functions with structure for each tissue type.
4. Identify the different types of epithelial tissue using proper microscope
technique.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A living organism is composed of a variety of cells of different sizes, shapes, structures and
specialized functions. Cells of similar type are usually organized into groups. A group of cells
with similar size, shape, structure and function form a tissue, and there are four general classes
of tissues. These classes are: epithelial, connective, muscle, and neuronal. In this lab we will
use histology to examine four epithelial tissues.
Histology1 is the branch of biology concerned with the composition and structure of plant and
animal tissues in relation to their specialized functions. The terms histology and microscopic
anatomy are sometimes used interchangeably, but a fine distinction can be drawn between the
two studies. The fundamental aim of histology is to determine how tissues are organized at all
structural levels, from cells and intercellular substances to organs.
2|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015
Epithelial tissues are composed of cells that make up the body’s outer covering and the
membranous covering of internal organs, cavities, and canals. Epithelium2 is a layer of cells
closely bound to one another to form continuous sheets covering surfaces that may come into
contact with foreign substances. Epithelium occurs in both plants and animals. In animals,
outgrowths or in growths from these surfaces form structures consisting largely or entirely of
cells derived from the surface epithelium. In this way the central nervous system, the sensitive
surfaces of special sense organs, glands, hair, nails, and other structures all originate. The
epithelial cells possess several microscopic characteristics:




The cell outline is clearly marked.
The nucleus large and spherical or ellipsoidal.
The cytoplasm of the cell is usually large in amount.
The cytoplasm often contains large numbers of granules.
Epithelium may be protective, absorptive, or secretory. It may produce special outgrowths
(hairs, nails, or horns on animals), and manufacture chemical material (e.g., keratin), in which
case the whole cell becomes modified. In other instances it contains fat droplets, granules of
various kinds, protein, mucin, watery granules, or glycogen. In a typical absorbing cell, granules
of material are absorbed. A secreting cell forming specific substances stores them until they are
utilized—e.g., fat, in sebaceous and mammary glands; enzymes in salivary and gastric glands.
Epithelial tissues are classified based on the shape of the cells and the number of layers. In the
following exercises, we will be looking at representatives of four of these epithelial classes.
References:
1. "histology." Encyclopedia Britannica.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/267172/histology (22 April, 2014)
2. "epithelial." Encyclopedia Britannica.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/190379/epithelium (22 April, 2014)
EQUIPMENT:




Paper
Pencil/pen
Slides
o Simple squamous epithelium slide
o Simple cuboidal epithelium slide
o Simple ciliated columnar epithelium slide
o Stratified squamous epithelium
Computer with Internet access (for the remote laboratory and for data analysis)
3|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015
PREPARING FOR THIS NANSLO LAB ACTIVITY:
Read and understand the information below before you proceed with the lab!
Scheduling an Appointment Using the NANSLO Scheduling System
Your instructor has reserved a block of time through the NANSLO Scheduling System for you to
complete this activity. For more information on how to set up a time to access this NANSLO lab
activity, see www.wiche.edu/nanslo/scheduling-software.
Students Accessing a NANSLO Lab Activity for the First Time
For those accessing a NANSLO laboratory for the first time, you may need to install software on
your computer to access the NANSLO lab activity. Use this link for detailed instructions on
steps to complete prior to accessing your assigned NANSLO lab activity –
www.wiche.edu/nanslo/lab-tutorials.
Video Tutorial for RWSL: A short video demonstrating how to use the Remote Web-based
Science Lab (RWSL) control panel for the air track can be viewed at
http://www.wiche.edu/nanslo/lab-tutorials#microscope.
NOTE: Disregard the conference number in this video tutorial.
AS SOON AS YOU CONNECT TO THE RWSL CONTROL PANEL: Click on the yellow button at the
bottom of the screen (you may need to scroll down to see it). Follow the directions on the pop
up window to join the voice conference and talk to your group and the Lab Technician.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
Once you have logged on to the remote lab system, you will perform the following laboratory
procedures. See Preparing for the Microscope NANSLO Lab Activity below.
During the study of each type of epithelial tissue, you are required to photograph and label a
representative sample of each tissue type. You should begin with your microscopic examination
of the tissue slide using the 4X objective to give you a perspective of the entire structure. This
is very important since sometimes more than one tissue type is often present on each slide. All
observations should be made using the 40X or 60X objective lens (whichever gives you the best
image).
4|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015
PRE-LAB EXERCISE 1: Simple Squamous Epithelium
Pre-lab Question:
1. How many layers of cells do you predict the simple squamous epithelium has? And what
is the cell's shape?
EXERCISE 1: Simple Squamous Epithelium
Data Collection:
2. Select the simple squamous epithelium slide from the microscope interface. Using the
10X objective, locate the tissue sample and bring it into focus.
3. Carefully work your way through all the objectives, focusing with each one until you
reach the 40X or 60X objective and capture an image of simple squamous epithelium.
Insert your image below.
Analysis:
4. Using your image from Exercise 1, question 3, label the three different parts of a cell
(nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane) and the basal membrane.
5. Based on your observation, describe the shape of cells and indicate the number of layers
in this tissue type.
6. Are your results in correlation with what you have predicted earlier?
7. Discuss the advantage of having a simple squamous epithelium in the lungs (hint: think
of respiratory gases exchange).
PRE-LAB EXERCISE 2: Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
Pre-lab Question:
1. How many layers of cells do you predict the simple cuboidal epithelium has? And what
is the cell's shape?
EXERCISE 2: Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
Data Collection:
2. Select the simple cuboidal epithelium slide from the microscope interface. Using the 10X
objective, locate the tissue sample and bring it into focus.
5|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015
3. Carefully work your way through all objectives, focusing with each one until you reach
the 40X or 60X objective and capture an image of the simple cuboidal columnar
epithelium. Insert your image below.
Analysis:
4. Using your image captured in Exercise 2, question 3, label the 3 different parts of a cell
(nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane), and the basal membrane.
5. Based on your observation, describe the shape of cells and indicate the number of layers
in the tissue type.
6. Are your results in correlation with what you have predicted earlier?
7. Discuss the advantage of having a simple cuboidal epithelium in the kidneys.
PRE-LAB EXERCISE 3: Simple Ciliated Columnar Epithelium
Pre-lab Questions:
1. How many layers of cells do you predict the simple ciliated columnar epithelium has?
And what is the cell's shape?
EXERCISE 3: Simple Ciliated Columnar Epithelium
Data Collection:
2. Select the simple ciliated columnar epithelium slide from the microscope interface.
Using the 10X objective, locate the tissue sample and bring it into focus.
3. Carefully work your way through all the objectives, focusing with each one until you
reach the 40X or 60X objective and capture an image of the simple ciliated columnar
epithelium. Insert your image below.
Analysis:
4. Using your image from Exercise 3, question 3, label the three different parts of a cell
(nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane) and the basal membrane.
5. Based on your observation, describe the shape of cells and indicate the number of layers
in this tissue type.
6. Are your results in correlation with what you have predicted earlier?
7. Discuss the advantage of having a simple ciliated columnar epithelium in the epididymis.
6|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015
PRE-LAB EXERCISE 4: Stratified Squamous Epithelium
Pre-lab Question:
1. How many layers of cells do you predict the stratified squamous epithelium has? And
what is the cell's shape?
EXERCISE 4: Stratified Squamous Epithelium
Data Collection:
2. Select the stratified squamous epithelium slide from the microscope interface. Using the
10X objective, locate the tissue sample and bring it into focus.
3. Carefully work your way through all the objectives, focusing with each one until you
reach the 40X or 60X objective and capture an image of the stratified squamous
epithelium. Insert your image below.
Analysis:
4. Using your image from Exercise 4, Questions 3, label the three different parts of a cell
(nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane) and the basal membrane.
5. Based on your observation, describe the shape of cells and indicate the number of layers
in this tissue type.
6. Based on your investigation, do you accept or reject your initial hypothesis? Use
evidence gathered to explain why you would accept or reject your initial hypothesis.
7. Discuss the advantage of having this type of tissue in the esophagus rather than the
simple squamous epithelium you observed earlier.
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
1. What are the two criteria used to classify the different types of epithelial tissue?
2. Where is the ciliated epithelium commonly found? What unique function does it
provide?
3. Where are goblet cells commonly located? What is their function?
4. Where would epithelium containing microvilli most likely be located and why?
5. Brandon sprained his ankle in a mountain biking race. Based on the definition of a
sprain, what specific histological type of tissue has Branson injured?
6. Explain why you would expect this type of tissue to have a high or low mitotic index.
7. How will the mitotic index affect the rate of healing of Brandon's injury?
7|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015
For more information about NANSLO, visit www.wiche.edu/nanslo.
All material produced subject to:
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License 3
This product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily
reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The
Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such
information, including any information on linked sites and
including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its
completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued
availability, or ownership.
8|Page
Last Updated May 27, 2015