What is apical surface in anatomy?
The bottom edge of the epithelial tissue next to the basement membrane is the basal surface. In contrast, the edge of the epithelial tissue facing the lumen or the external environment is called the apical surface.
Where is apical surface located?
The apical surface of epithelial cells, which lines the lumen of sac- and tube-shaped organs and the inner surfaces of the body cavities, forms the interface between the extracellular milieu and underlying tissues.
What tissue has an apical surface?
Epithelia cells
Epithelia cells are polarized with an apical surface that faces the lumen of a tube or the external environment and a basal surface that attaches to the basement membrane. The apical and basal surfaces perform different functions and have unique biochemical compositions. Epithelial cells are continuously renewed.
Which tissue has an apical and basal surface?
epithelium
An epithelium has a free surface, the apical surface, exposed to the outside, and an attached surface, the basal surface, resting on the underlying connective tissue.
What specializations are found on the apical surface of epithelial cells and their function?
The apical surface will sometimes have specializations such as cilia or microvilli that assist with the function of the tissue. The basal lamina, a mixture of glycoproteins and collagen, provides an attachment site for the epithelium, separating it from underlying connective tissue.
What is apical and basal?
The membrane facing the lumen or free surface is known as the apical membrane, while the membrane oriented away from the lumen, contacting the extracellular matrix, is known as the basal membrane and the sides of the cell contacting the neighboring cells form the lateral membrane [1].
What is the difference between the basolateral and apical surface?
In many tissues, the apical surface of the cell faces towards the external environment whereas the basolateral surface sits adjacent to an internal-facing basement membrane.
What is the apical surface of epithelial tissue What is the function of microvilli and cilia located on this surface?
The epithelial tissue’s apical surface is its most superficial layer. There surfaces may sport cilia or microvilli depending upon their function. Ciliated epithelia move mucus or other substances across its surface. However, microvilli are used to increase its surface area and these epithelia are used for absorption.
Is the apical surface covered with cilia?
Cilia: are membrane-covered extensions of the entire apical surface. They beat in waves, often moving a surface coat of mucus and trapped materials. Ciliated epithelia include ciliated pseudostratified columnar (respiratory) epithelium and the ciliated simple columnar epithelium of the oviducts.