1. A new tissue is discovered. There are many different types of cells in this t

Question

1. A new tissue is discovered. There are many different types of cells in this tissue, and all of the cells are lined up very close to each other. The extracellular matrix is packed full of collagen fibers lined up in all different directions. The tissue is not vascular but does have nerves servicing it. Researchers studying this tissue found that it does not regenerate, but the cells are connected to a strong basement membrane that holds them in place. Would you classify this tissue as an epithelial tissue or a connective tissue? Explain why you chose that answer.

2. What are the main differences between merocrine and holocrine methods of secretion? Are there any similarities between them? If the basal layer of cells in a holocrine gland stopped going through mitosis, what might be the consequences of that?

3. Describe what you would expect to see if your cutaneous membrane and your mucous membranes traded places.

Explanation / Answer

1. The tissue should be classified as connective tissue.

The tissue is made up of different types of cells and has extracellular matrix. It has collagen fibers arranged in different directions and this is a typical character of connective tissue proper.

Although the tissue has a basement membrane, this s the only character t shares with epithelial tissues. Epithelial tissues are made up of similar cells arranged tightly on a basement membrane and they are not serviced by nerves.

So, the tissue shares more characters with connective tissues than with epithelial tissues and hence should be placed in the category of connective tissues.

2. Merocrine secretion is that when the secretions of the cell take place via exocytosis i.e. the cells give out their secretions into epithelial walled ducts which then deliver the secretions to the bodily surface or lumen of organs. An example is the secretion of bile juice from the liver.

Holocrine secretion is produced n the cytoplasm of the cell and is released by the rupture of the plasma membrane which results in the destruction of the cell and secretion of the product into the lumen. Here, the entire cell disintegrates to excrete its product. An example of holocrine secretion is the sebaceous gland of the skin and nose.

3. The cutaneous membrane is the technical term for our skin. The main function of the skin is the protection of the body's tissues and organs from physical, chemical and biological damage. The outermost cutaneous layer s dead.

Mucous membranes are soft and delicate and their main function is to secrete a slimy substance which acts as a lubricant or a mosturisng agent by lining or covering certain organs like these membranes line the nasal cavity and the trachea to moisterise the inhaled air and clean it by sticking dust particles.

In the stomach, mucus membranes secrete mucus to form a protective cover over the inner stomach walls to protect it from the action of HCl and pepsinogen.

If the cutaneous and mucous membranes were to exchange their place a lot of complications would arise. The mucous membrane would not be able to provide any sort of protection to the body resulting in all sorts of infections and damage.

The cutaneous membrane would not be able to provide lubrication to the organs which require it.

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