Modifications to epithelium

Microvilli

Microvilli are cell surface modifications which increase surface area of a cell without significantly increasing the size of the cell. Microvilli are often seen in organs where the epithelium plays a primary role in the absorption of molecules. Microvilli are supported by an actin microfilament network. Individual microvilli are difficult to individually resolve by light microscopy and often appear as a band running across the apical aspect of the cell layer.

Cilia

Cilia are projections and a type of organelle seen on the apical surface of epithelial cells. In many locations, they beat in a coordinated fashion. This assists in the movement of material over the epithelial surface in a manner parallel with the surface of the epithelium.

Cellular Connections

Cell connections or junctions are especially abundant in epithelial tissues. These structures consist of protein complexes and induce connectivity between adjacent epithelial cells, between a cell and the extracellular matrix. They can contribute to the barrier function of epithelia and control the paracellular transport.

Cell junctions are the contact points between plasma membrane and tissue cells. Some examples of the major types of cell junctions: tight junctions, gap junctions, desmosomes and hemidesmosomes. Tight junctions are transmembrane proteins fused on outer plasma membrane. Gap junctions connect the cytoplasm of two cells and allow for the passage of molecules freely between cells.

Desmosomes and hemidesmosomes allow for strong attachment between cells or to a basement membrane. Desmosomes attach to the microfilaments of cytoskeleton made up of keratin protein. Hemidesmosomes are similar to desmosomes in terms of function, however, they attach the epithelial cell to the basement membrane rather than to an adjacent cell.