Epithelia and Glands

Basal lamina of lamina lucida and lamina densa, plus a reticular lamina

A memory aid for the layers and role of the basement membrane.

Simple or stratified, then squamous, cuboidal or columnar

A memory aid for classifying epithelium by layers and cell shape.

Microvilli, stereocilia and cilia, with different structure and function

A memory aid for the apical specialisations of epithelial cells.

Classified by duct branching, secretory unit shape and mode of secretion

A memory aid for classifying glands by structure and secretion.

Unicellular mucous glands, increasing distally along the gut

A memory aid for goblet cell structure, distribution and disease relevance.

One differentiated epithelium replaced by another better suited to the stress

A memory aid for the common sites of epithelial metaplasia.

Merocrine, apocrine and holocrine, by how much cell is lost

A mnemonic for the three ways glands release their product.

Epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosae

A memory aid for the layers of a mucous membrane.