Histology Practice
Epithelial & Connective Tissues
General Epithelial & Connective Histology I
1. Identify each of the following descriptions as pertaining
to either epithelial or connective tissues
– Composed largely of non-living extracellular matrix,
important in protection & support
– Lines body cavities, covers surfaces & forms glands
2. Explain the meaning of the following categories used to
classify epithelial tissue
– Simple v. Stratified
– Squamous v. Cuboidal v. Columnar
3. Distinguish between apical and basal cell surfaces
General Epithelial & Connective Histology II
1. What is produced by fibroblasts? What category of
connective tissue are these cells found in?
2. Identify and differentiate between the three types of
fibers produced in connective tissue cells.
3. What is produced by chondrocytes? What category of
connective tissue are these cells found in?
4. What is produced by goblet cells? What types of
connective tissue are these cells found in?
Locations of Epithelial Tissues
1. Endocrine & Exocrine glands; Kidney tubules
2. Intestinal cells (w/ microvilli)
3. Outer layer of skin, oral cavity, esophagus
4. Uterine tubes & bronchi of lungs
5. Alveoli (air sacs) of lungs; Glomerulus (filtering) area of kidney
6. Urinary bladder
7. Seminiferous (sperm-forming) tubules, & ovary follicles
8. Lines nasal cavity, trachea, auditory tubes
Descriptions of Connective Tissue
1. Most widespread, beneath epithelial tissue, around and within
muscles; Contains all three fiber types loosely interwoven
2. Dense parallel bundles of collagen; few cells & little ground
substance; forms tendons & ligaments
3. Coarse parallel collagen fibers; Provides support with
compressibility; forms intervertebral discs and parts of knee joint
4. Insulates & protects body organs, provides reserve energy fuel
5. Firm substance containing collagen fibers; resists compression;
makes up fetal skeletons, covers ends of adult long bones & found
in nose
6. Finely woven fibers in soft ground substance; provides supporting
framework for vascular organs; found in liver and lymph nodes
7. Dense bundles of collagen arranged in different planes, forms
dermis of skin, organ capsules & nerve sheaths
8. Provides flexible support; found in external ear and epiglottis