Flashcards: Histology lecture question 3

The zonula adherens are unique to the epithelia because of their particular function within the junctional complexes. Microvilli are found on the exposed surface of epithelial cells, therefore, the zonula adherens would only be found in those cells.

Glycocalyx plays a large role in absorption by enhancing reception at receptor sites within the cell membrane. The microvilli can actually expand the surface area of the cells apex up to 10,000 times to achieve this. Therefore, glycocalyx is associated with microvilli

The terminal bar is the name given to a group of junctional complexes (including zonula adherens, zonula occludens, macula adherens, gap junction) that attach epithelial cells. Staining with Eosin and using electron microscopy would allow you to see the specific structures.