3d model - Epithelium cells

This 3d model is one of our projects under Animal Morphology & Histology course. Our group have chosen to make 3d model of epithelium cells. This is because there are two types of epithelium cells with different form. Many students have difficulty in distinguish the type of epithelium cells.

Epithelium is a tissue composed of cells that line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body. Many glands are also formed from epithelial tissue. It lies on top of connective tissue, and the two layers are separated by a basement membrane. In humans, epithelium is classified as a primary body tissue, the other ones being connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue.






Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective absorption, protection, transcellular transport and detection of sensation. As a result, they commonly present extensive apical-basolateral polarity (e.g. different membrane proteins expressed) and specialization.

Epithelial tissue can be divided into two groups depending on the number of layers of which it is composes. Epithelial tissue which is only one cell thick is known as simple epithelium. If it is two or more cells thick such as the skin, it is known as stratified epithelium.

Know more about epithelium cells at:
http://www.bcb.uwc.ac.za/sci_ed/grade10/mammal/epithelial.htm