Bea Ysabelle O.

Rubiato
BS Nursing 1 - NA

LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT 2

1. Explain the effect of the following solutions on living cells: hypertonic,

hypotonic, and isotonic.
A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes and a lower
concentration of water, relative to the cytoplasm. When a cell is placed in this
solution, water moves out of the cell by osmosis and results in crenation, or cell
shrinkage. A hypotonic solution has a lower concentration of solutes and a higher
concentration of water, relative to the cytoplasm of the cell. When a living cell is
immersed in a hypertonic solution, water enters the cell by osmosis where the
solute concentration is greater, causing the cell to swell and rupture. An isotonic
solution has equal concentrations of various solutes and water on both sides of
the cell membrane. When a living cell is placed in an isotonic solution, it neither
shrinks nor swells since water moves into and out of the cell at the same rate.
Thus, no net water movement occurs and the cell shape remains normal.

2. Given the observation that a tissue has more than one layer of cells lining a
free surface, (a) list the possible tissue types that exhibit those
characteristics, and (b) explain what additional observations need to be
made.
(a) The tissue types that exhibit multiple cell layers are classified as stratified
epithelial tissues. Under this type of epithelium are the stratified squamous
epithelium and transitional epithelium. Stratified squamous epithelium is
further characterized as either keratinized and non-keratinized, referring to
the moisture it produces. These are several layers of cuboidal cells that
are progressively flattened towards the surface and they protect the
organs against abrasion, infection, and stress. Transitional epithelium are
stratified cells that appear cuboidal when the organ is not stretched and
squamous when stretched. This tissue is part of the urethra, having the
ability to change shape to accommodate fluctuations caused by stretching
and contraction.

(b) In characterizing different types of tissues, we need to make additional

observations on its cell shape, location, nuclei position, and surface
modifications. Information about the tissue’s functions and adaptability can
be examined by taking note of its cell shape. Squamous cells are flat and
thin, cuboidal cells are cube-shaped with its height, width, and depth
 roughly equal, columnar cells are taller compared to its width
measurement and resembles pillars, and transitional cells have varied
shapes depending on the degree of how it can stretch. Observing cell
shapes makes it easier for histologists to easily characterize tissues since
these shapes are also corresponding to how these tissues provide a
structural degree of support to the organ. The location of tissues also
matters when identifying its certain type since the tissues that form an
organ are very specific to ensure that it can efficiently aid the organ in
performing and adapting to its unique physiological demands. Nuclei
position also gives insights into cell division and differentiation,
considering that it also reveals the arrangement of cells in different layers.
Important characteristics to consider are its alignment, in which simple
epithelia have nuclei aligned at a similar level and stratified epithelia
positioned various nuclei at different depths. Lastly, the presence of
features like cilia, microvilli, or cell surface modifications are also essential
in identifying a tissue’s type, such that these features are often found in
organs that synthesize and secrete mucus into the free surface and move
mucus that contain foreign particles over the surface.

3. Explain the consequences:

a. If simple columnar epithelium replaced non-keratinized stratified
squamous epithelium that lines the mouth.
If the simple columnar epithelium replaced the non-keratinized
stratified squamous epithelium that lines the mouth, there will be major
changes in the function and structure of the oral cavity. The
non-keratinized squamous epithelium is composed of several cell layers
that are cuboidal in the basal layer. This epithelium tissue protects the
mouth against mechanical stress and abrasion, forms a barrier against
infection, and reduces water loss. On the other hand, the simple columnar
epithelium are single-layered tissues often found in the lining of the
stomach and intestines, in charge of the movements of particles out of the
bronchioles of the lungs, secretion, and absorption. If the non-keratinized
stratified squamous epithelium is replaced with the simple columnar
epithelium, it will not be able to withstand the mechanical stress that the
mouth often experiences by doing its regular functions of eating and
speaking. The mouth would be subjected to continuous wear and tear by
its usual activities of chewing, swallowing, and talking because of the lack
of protective features that the non-keratinized squamous epithelium
possesses. It will most likely wear down easily and become vulnerable to
frequent infections. The simple columnar epithelium is only a single layer
 structure, and may become more susceptible to bacterial infections,
increasing its risk of oral infections and inflammation. Taste buds could
also be potentially altered since the interaction between taste molecules
and the oral epithelium plays a crucial role for taste sensation. In
summary, simple columnar epithelium replacing the non-keratinized
stratified squamous epithelium will lead to decreased protection against
mechanical stress, increased vulnerability to infections, discomfort, and
altered sensory functions, leading to the compromisation of the mouth’s
basic function of chewing, eating, talking, and swallowing.

b. If tendons were dense elastic connective tissue instead of dense

collagenous connective tissue.
Dense elastic connective tissues are composed of collagen fibers
and elastic fibers running in the same direction in elastic ligaments, which
are also capable of stretching and recoiling with strength. This connective
tissue is found in the dorsal aspect of the neck, vocal cords, and blood
vessel walls. Dense collagenous connective tissues are what composes
the tendons, making it able to withstand great pulling forces exerted in the
direction of fiber orientation. If tendons were composed of dense elastic
connective tissues instead of dense collagenous connective tissues, they
would lack the strength and stability needed to withstand the forces
generated by muscle movements, which is something that collagenous
tissues possess, since elastic tissues are pliable and stretch easily. The
range of motion may also be affected, as elastic tissues’ ability to stretch
and recoil could interfere and limit joint movements, hindering flexibility
and discomfort when doing regular physical activities. Elastic tissues are
also not as rigid as collagenous tissues, which will reduce its ability to
transmit forces efficiently and have decreased power and accuracy in
movements. Tendons would also recover much slowly if they were
composed of elastic tissues since they don’t heal as effectively as
collagenous tissues, which have a better capacity for repair. Thus,
recovery time would be prolonged and the muscles would also be highly
vulnerable to multiple injuries. Overall, this change will compromise the
strength and function of the musculoskeletal system. There would also be
an increased risk of injuries and impaired performance since the ability to
transmit forces, provide stability, and support movement will be severely
affected.

c. If bones made entirely of elastic bandage.

 If bones were made entirely of elastic bandage, there would be
severe differences in its structure and function. With its current
composition, bones are integral to providing the body support, protection,
and the ability to move. Having its material replaced by elastic bandage
will primarily affect its structural integrity, lacking the significant rigidity and
strength to provide structural support, leading to a loss of shape and
stability. Movement will also be impacted negatively as elastic bandage
lacks the needed structure to securely anchor muscles and provide
leverage for movement, limiting its range of motion and ability to perform
basic movements. Bones would also be ineffective in bearing weight,
causing the skeletal framework to collapse when managing heavy
activities and making humans unable to perform weight-bearing
movements. Additionally, organs will become vulnerable to trauma and
damage since the bones are necessary for its protection from injury. To
conclude, bones made of elastic bandage material will have severe and
catastrophic consequences for the body structure, function, and overall
health. Moreover, the loss of support, stability, movement, and protection
would result in a non-functional and highly vulnerable skeletal system,
rendering basic activities impossible.

Sources:

Vanputte, C., Regan, J., & Russo, A. (2021). Seeley’s Essentials of Anatomy and
Physiology (11th ed.). MCGRAW-HILL US HIGHER ED.